Introduction: Neuroendoscopy is presently considered a scarcely invasive surgical approach to expanding lesions bulging into the ventricle, as a relevant tool to perform bioptic procedures, discontinuation of cystic walls or tumor removal in selected cases. Furthermore, the diffusion of neuro-imaging and the accurate follow-up of brain tumor patients have more frequently allowed documenting tumoral and pseudo-tumoral cystic areas causing the obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways. Neuroendoscopic procedures enable fenestration of cystic lesions, in addition with third ventriculostomy or septostomy to restore CSF pathways

Methods: We analyse our experience regarding in 77 patients affected by brain tumors arising by the wall of the third or lateral ventricle. In all cases hydrocephalus or obstruction of CSF flow was present. By endoscopic technique septostomy, cistostomy, third ventriculostomy (ETV) and tumor resection were performed to control intracranial hypertension.

Results: In 53 patients with non-communicating hydrocephalus the ETV was performed. In 4 LG astrocytoma the ETV was the only surgical treatment, definitely. In 12 cystic tumors cystostomy and marsupialisation into the ventricle solved a relevant mass effect with clinical intracranial hypertension syndrome. In 10 patients neuroendoscopic relief of CSF pathways by septostomy with implant of Ommaya reservoir or one catheter shunt was possible. In 5 colloid cysts and 2 cystic craniopharyngiomas removal was possible, by restoring CSF flow without other procedures. After intracranial hypertension control, in 13 malignant gliomas and 6 leptomeningeal metastases the quality of life improved to provide for tumour adjuvant therapy.

Conclusions: In this series the endoscopy, due to its mininvasive characteristics and reduced complicances, was found to be safe and effective without any relevant post-operative morbidity, by avoiding major surgical approaches.Based on these results,the endoscopic techniques should be considered a selected approach to treat CSF obstructions by para-intraventricular tumors. The result is a reconstruction of CSF pathways by passing the tumor occlusion This surgical procedure is not limited to relief of non-communicating hydrocephalus, but also it is useful for tumor removal or biopsies and evacuation of cystic lesions. In patients affected by malignant tumors, neuroendoscopy can be performed to control intracranial hypertension before starting adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Patient Care: this study should improve the treatment of patients affected by ventricular tumors, even as palliative control of intracranial hypertension

Learning Objectives: CSF obstructions in ventricular tumors can be treated safely by neuroendoscopic procedures, even in patients with intracranial hypertension. Following to control hypertension a correct treatment can be chosen

References: 14. Oppido PA, Fiorindi A, Benvenuti L, Cattani F, Cipri S, Gangemi M, Godano U, Longatti P, Mascari C, Morace E, Tosatto L. (2011) Neuroendoscopic biopsy of ventricular tumors: a multicentric experience. Neurosurg Focus. 30(4):E2 (DOI : 10.3171/2011.1.FOCUS10326)