Search

Three-dimensional (3D) high-definition endoscopy is an innovative technical advancement that helps surgeons gain precise depth perception and spatial recognition during endoscopic surgery. Here, we describe a new dual optical channel 3D neuroendoscopic technique and its clinical application. We performed endoscopic endonasal surgery on 88 patients using 3D and two-dimensional (2D) endoscopes in conjunction. We evaluated the usefulness of stereoscopic images acquired by dual optical channel 3D endoscopy during endoscopic surgery and compared the image resolution between dual optical channel 3D endoscopy and 2D endoscopy. Additionally, we compared the stereoscopic images acquired by dual optical channel and Visionsense 3D endoscopy in three cases. Combination surgery using 3D and 2D endoscopy was found to be safe. Stereoscopic images were useful in several surgical steps, especially in recognition of complex bony structures, bone drilling, and suprasellar manipulation. The magnitude of binocular disparity was greater in dual optical channel 3D endoscopy than in Visionsense 3D endoscopy. Stereoscopic images acquired by dual optical channel 3D neuroendoscopy were of adequate quality and were useful for endoscopic endonasal surgery. In consideration of its lower image resolution compared to that of 2D high-definition endoscopy, dual optical channel 3D neuroendoscopy can be applied as an assistive technique in endoscopic endonasal surgery. The magnitude of binocular disparity is one of the key factors to be considered for evaluation of the clinical significance of 3D endoscopy.

Background: Several authors have reported the various patterns of coexistence of spinal dermoid cysts and lipoma; however, the association of intramedullary dermoid cysts with lipoma is extremely rare. In addition to the embryological and pathological aspects of this rare condition, we discuss the feasibility of combined microscopic and endoscopic procedures for the management of intramedullary dermoid cysts. Case description: An 18-year-old woman presented with right buttock pain. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a large, well-defined mass extending from L2 to L4. The conus medullaris terminated in the mass and was tethered by a fatty filum. According to the signal intensities on MR images, the mass could be divided into two components. The upper component existed intramedullary and was iso- to hypo-intense relative to the spinal cord on T1-weighted images. The lower component exhibited homogeneous hyper-intensity signals on both T1- and T2-weighted images. Partial removal of the cyst wall and evacuation of the cyst contents followed by untethering of the spinal cord were performed by the combined microscopic and endoscopic procedures. The patient's symptoms were relieved postoperatively and pathological studies confirmed the diagnosis of dermoid cysts associated with lipoma. Conclusions: We present a rare case of an embryological “collision” of an intramedullary dermoid cyst associated with filar lipoma underlining the spectrum of intradural pathologies in spinal dysraphism. Surgical management is creative in these circumstances and multimodal. Our surgical management shows that the use of endoscopes can be effective in the surgical removal of long sectional spinal dermoid cysts. Keywords: Endoscope, Fatty filum, Filar lipoma, Intramedullary dermoid cyst, Tethered cord