Neuro-Endoscopy

What is Neuro-Endoscopy?

This is a relatively new field of neurosurgery. It has been made possible by advances in medical technology. This method allows a brain surgeon to access hard to reach areas of the brain. This is made possible by the use of an endoscope; a tube-like device, which can be fitted with equipment at the front for carrying out an operation. In most cases, the endoscope is fitted through a tiny hole, above the size of a dime in the roof of the mouth or the nose. Since there is minimal disturbance of other parts of the brain, the risks are greatly reduced.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a brain tumor is the main reason why neuro-endoscopy takes place instead of the traditional surgery. The doctor will first conduct a physical examination to determine if the patient has the physical symptoms of a brain tumor. In addition, he/she will check one medical history.

The physician will perform imaging on the brain to determine if there are any abnormalities. He or she will also take blood samples to rule out other reasons. The most common imaging involves:

Treatment

Neuro-endoscopy has many advantages over other types of surgery. Firstly, it allows the doctor to make only a small incision. In traditional surgery, the doctor has to make a huge opening in the skull and shift the brain around. The result is that he/she could damage something leading to lifelong complications. In addition, a good number of patients experience excruciating pain after brain surgery. Neuro-endoscopic surgery has been reported to cause less pain post operation. In addition, there is no risk of anything being touch unintentionally.

How will patient recover?

 The amount of time spent in the hospital after surgery varies from individual to individual. In most cases, it will depend on the type of operation carried out. A patient's overall health and age prior to surgery also plays a role in determining how long one will stay in the hospital for observation. However, the period of stay is relatively shorter than if the individual had the operation performed in the traditional manner. Immediately after the surgery, a patient will need to go for some special therapy. In some cases, after neurosurgery, patients have motor coordination impairment and difficulty speaking. He/she will be taken through physical therapy to ensure that he/she can walk properly again. The physician will also recommend speech therapy to remove a noticeable slur after most brain operations.

What should be cared?