Adjunctive Use of Endoscopy during Posterior Fossa Surgery to Treat Cranial Neuropathies

Endoscopic assisted microneurosurgery for gasserian portion of trigeminal neuroma: two cases

“…Endoscopic assisted micro s u rg e ry (EAM) may simplify surgical approach to those lesions, and tumor removal, allowing low morbidity. EAM has been given a lob of attention recently [6][7][8][9][10] . Its indications and limits are still not yet well defined.…”

“…In 1999, Magnan and Sanna published an atlas with detailed surgical anatomy of the cranial n e rves of the base of the skull 9 . The endoscope has also been used in neurovascular decompressions at the posterior fossa, minimizing retraction of stru ctures and widening lateral angle of vision 5,6 .…”

“…Complex maneuvering is made through the microscope, and the endoscope allows identification of inaccessible regions 5,6 , improving surgical outcomes.…”

“…The main disadvantages of the endoscope are related to the excessive amount of heading in the surgical field disturbing vision and lack of thre e -d i m e nsional view and cranial nerve injury risk 6 . King et al 6 re p o rted 10 patients with trigeminal neuralgia aged 16 through 67 (16 male and 3 female) in the period of 1997 through 2000 in which EAM had been used.…”

“…King et al 6 re p o rted 10 patients with trigeminal neuralgia aged 16 through 67 (16 male and 3 female) in the period of 1997 through 2000 in which EAM had been used. All patients presented with total improvement or sati s f a c t o ry improvement of symptomatology without associated morbidity.…”