Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point

Summary

Pineal neoplasms frequently cause obstructive hydrocephalus and require histopathological diagnosis to decide the treatment regimen. They might be treated by surgical resection or chemoradiotherapy according to the pathological diagnosis. As a minimally invasive initial treatment, an endoscopic approach from Kocher's point enables both third ventriculostomy and biopsy.

Abstract

Pineal neoplasms have a significant impact on children although they are relatively uncommon. They account for approximately 3-11% of all childhood brain tumors, which is considerably higher than the <1% seen in adult brain tumors. These tumors can be divided into three main categories: germ cell tumors, parenchymal pineal tumors, and tumors arising from related anatomical structures. Obtaining an accurate and minimally invasive tissue diagnosis is crucial for selecting the most appropriate treatment regimen for patients with pineal gland tumors. This is due to the diverse treatment options available and the potential risks associated with complete resection. In cases where patients present with acute obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a pineal gland tumor, immediate treatment of the hydrocephalus is necessary. The urgency stems from the potential complications of hydrocephalus, including increased intracranial pressure and neurological deficits. To address these challenges, a minimally invasive endoscopic approach provides a valuable opportunity. This technique allows clinicians to promptly relieve hydrocephalus and obtain a histological diagnosis simultaneously. This dual benefit enables a more comprehensive understanding of the tumor and assists in determining the most effective treatment strategy for the patient.

Introduction

The pineal gland is a neuroendocrine gland located in the epithalamus that is responsible for regulating biological rhythms in vertebrates. Its anatomical boundaries include the posterior surface of the wall of the third ventricle, which forms the base of the gland, the splenium of the corpus callosum superiorly, and the thalamus surrounding both sides. It has a pinecone shape and extends posteriorly and inferiorly in the quadrigeminal cistern^1,2.

Pineal neoplasms are relatively rare tumors and are predominantly childhood malignancies, accounting for 3-11% of all childhood brain tu....

Protocol

The Institutional Review Committee of the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine approved the study protocol. Before the start of the study, the patient was asked to sign an informed consent form outlining the purpose of use and publication of their data.

1. Preoperative procedures

1. Perform the operations under general anesthesia. Prepare endoscopic and optical equipment in the operating room.
2. Check the instruments before starting the procedure (

Discussion

The description of the ETV and biopsy for pineal tumors was first described in the 1970s. Historically, the fear of uncontrolled hemorrhage has always existed. However, owing to advances in endoscopic surgery techniques, bleeding control is not a major complication for experienced surgeons nowawadays^9,10. According to several cases in the literature, endoscopic management has been found to be effective as an initial step for pineal region tumors presenting with h.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Adson periosteal elevator	Ruggles-Redmond	RO263	Semi-sharp, 5 mm, curved 6-3/8, length 164 mm
Automatic skin retractors	Integra	3,72,245	Heiss Automatic Skin Retractor Length - Overall (mm): 102 Length 1 - Tip/Jaw (mm): 8
Balloon catheter	Edwards Fogarty	120804FP	Length (cm): 80, Catheter size (F): 4,  Inflated balloon diameter (mm): 9
Biopsy Forceps	Karl Storz LOTTA CLICKLINE Grasping Forceps	28164 LE	Rotating, dismantling, single action jaws, diameter 2.7 mm, working length 30 cm
Bipolar coagulation electrode	Karl Storz LOTTA	28161 SF	Diameter 1.3 mm, working length 30 cm
Bisture	Beybi	24,02,502	Beybi Bisture Tip. No: 20 and No: 11
High-speed drill	Medtronic Midas Rex MR8	MR8™ Electric Plus EM850	Perforator tip used
Obturator	Karl Storz LOTTA	28164 LLO	Use with Operating Sheaths for ventricular puncture
Operating sheath	Karl Storz LOTTA	28164 LSB	Graduated, rotating, outer diameter 6.8 mm, working length 13 cm
Ventriculoscope	Karl Storz LOTTA Ventriculoscope with HOPKINS	28164 LAB	Wide angle telescope 30°, angled eyepiece, outer diameter 6.1 mm, length 18 cm, working channel diameter 2.9 mm, irrigation/suction channel diameter 1.6 mm