Endoscope assisted resection for cystic cerebellar haemangioblastomas.
Roach J., Livermore J., Plaha P.
BACKGROUND: Haemangioblastomas are benign often cystic tumours occurring most commonly in the cerebellum. We describe resection of cystic cerebellar haemangioblastomas using an endoscope assisted technique. METHODS: We present a series of 9 cases and discuss the endoscopic technique for resection of cystic haemangioblastoma. Frameless neuronavigation was used in all cases. A small 1-1.5cm corticotomy lined with Surgicel and patties allows access to the peritumoral cyst. Using bimanual microsurgical techniques and the 30-degree rigid endoscope to provide visualisation, the mural nodule can be resected and the cyst cavity inspected. RESULTS: Complete resection of the mural nodule was achieved in all cases. One patient had post-surgery psuedomeningocoele requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Hospital length of stay was short for all the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscope assisted resection is a safe and effective technique for surgical resection of cystic haemangioblastoma.