Neurochirurgie
Endoscopic Neurosurgery by Caemaert
Recent developments in neuroimaging have caused a renewed interest in endoscopic neurosurgery. Pathology suitable for endoscopic approach should be situated in the paraor intraventricular region, or should be a solitary cyst. C.T. and M.R.I. scans provide excellent visualization of these anomalies enabling a precise approach and planning strategy. In some cases, endoscopic treatment is optional is optional but in other cases it is highly advantageous over conventional and even blind stereotactic techniques. The operations can be performed through one single burr hole. In many cases the patient is allowed to leave the hospital the day after surgery.
Only recently has suitable and specially designed cerebral instrumentation been developed. In 1986 Jacques Caemaert, from the department of neurosurgery of the University Hospital of Gent, Belgium, designed the first prototype of a new multipurpose neuroendoscope. The requirements for this instrument were a maximum outer diameter of 6 mm, round in cross section to permit rotation around its own axis, a long rigid sheath suitable for free-hand introduction with any stereotactic frame, simultaneous visual control and operating possibilities, continuous irrigation via separate inlet and outlet channels which are themselves wide enough to take small auxiliary operating instruments.