1. Cerebral hemorrhage
1.1 Cerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia
A 50-year-old man was brought to our department after undergoing emergency drilling and drainage locally for cerebral hemorrhage management. Upon arrival, he was conscious with equal-sized and round pupils, but unresponsive to light. He also had complete left limb weakness.
A CT scan revealed cerebral hemorrhage in the right basal ganglia, insula, temporal lobe, along with subarachnoid hemorrhage post-drainage. Given the potential advantages of neuroendoscopy, we opted for this approach to maximize hematoma removal. The procedure provided excellent maneuverability, achieving a 94% clearance rate. Overall, the surgery yielded satisfactory results, with the patient showing significant improvement(Fig. 1).
This case underscores the effectiveness of neuroendoscopy in intricate cerebral hemorrhage cases, offering high clearance rates and favorable clinical outcomes.
1.2 Thalamic Hemorrhage
A 69-year-old man was admitted to our hospital after being discovered unconscious for two hours while showering. A head CT scan showed a left thalamic hemorrhage and bleeding into the right lateral ventricle. The patient presented with a low level of consciousness and unequal pupil sizes, with the left pupil being larger than the right. The pupillary light reflex was slow. The hemorrhage in the thalamus and brainstem caused hydrocephalus, which was life-threatening. A successful minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgery called "sheath within sheath" was performed, removing 97% of the hematoma(Fig. 2). The procedure's results are promising, giving him hope for a full recovery.
1.3 Cerebral Lobe Hemorrhage
A 60-year-old woman experienced dizziness and discomfort in the morning, which persisted despite rest. A head CT scan revealed a hemorrhage in the left parietal lobe. The patient also suffered from recurrent vomiting. Since the onset of symptoms, the patient has been in a shallow coma and unable to orally consume fluids. She has a urinary catheter in place and functioning properly. Her Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is 7, and both pupils are equal in size, approximately 2 mm in diameter, with no response to light. The preoperative hematoma volume was measured at 40.3 ml, which significantly decreased to 0.6 ml after surgery. Impressively, the hematoma clearance rate reached 98.5% using 3D-slice software. The patient's recovery has been excellent(Fig. 3).
1.4 Brainstem Hemorrhage
52-year-old female patient was admitted to our department in a comatose state. Her examination revealed bilateral enlarged pupils, partially open eyes with tingling pain, and an absence of response to stimuli. In moreover, the patient experienced limb tingling and buckling, as well as neck stiffness. A CT scan showed the presence of a pontine and subarachnoid hemorrhage.. we employed a "2-in-1" surgical technique. This procedure involved two key steps. The first step involved puncture drainage, which facilitated rapid hypotension. This approach aimed to swiftly and completely reduce intracranial pressure(ICP), which is especially crucial in cases of brain stem hematomas. The second step was endoscopic removal of the hematoma, utilizing the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. After the surgical intervention, postoperative CT revealed a hematoma clearance rate of 83.5%. Although not achieving complete clearance, the outcome was still considered satisfactory(Fig. 4), considering the challenging nature of the brain stem hemorrhage. This case highlights the application of a combined surgical technique and concept to effectively manage pontine hemorrhages. The use of rapid hypotension and neuroendoscopy played crucial roles in the treatment, allowing for significant reduction in hematoma size and improvement in the patient's condition.
1.5 Intraventricular hemorrhage
A 55 years old Female was admitted to our hospital with clear consciousness but in poor spirits. CT scan revealed intraventricular hematoma. The patient underwent minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgery, which was performed with a unilateral approach to remove bilateral lateral ventricle and third ventricle hematomas simultaneously. This technique allowed us to achieve precise visualization and targeted removal of the hematomas within the ventricular system. Postoperatively, there was a remarkable improvement in the patient's condition. The patient regained consciousness the very next day after the procedure, indicating a positive outcome. The result of the surgery was satisfactory(Fig. 5).
1.6 Cerebellar Hemorrhage
A 72-year-old woman was brought to our department in a comatose state (GCS 6, E1V2M3), with equal and reactive pupils measuring 2 mm. She was presented with an unexpected loss of consciousness. A CT scan revealed a large right cerebellar hemorrhage that extended into the ventricle. The preoperative hematoma volume was significant, at around 41.9 ml, with the hematoma spreading across the midline and putting pressure on the brainstem, posing a life-threatening situation. The patient had neuroendoscopic minimally invasive surgery, which resulted in a 91.2% hematoma clearance rate. The results are encouraging, raising hopes for her recovery(Fig. 6).
2. Hemorrhagic Cerebrovascular Diseases
2.1(a) Clipping of Anterior communicating artery aneurysm by eyebrow arch keyhole approach
A 42 years old male was admitted to our hospital due to a headache lasting for 4 hours. On admission, a CT scan revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage, and a preoperative CT angiography (CTA) showed an anterior communicating artery aneurysm. The patient underwent neuroendoscopic minimally invasive clipping of the anterior communicating artery aneurysm using the supraorbital keyhole approach. The aneurysm was successfully clipped during the procedure. On the three-month follow-up examination after the surgery, the patient showed a good recovery(Fig. 7).
2.1(b) The neuroendoscopic "three-in-one" procedure was successfully performed on aneurysms and giant hematoma
A 49-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital in a deeply comatose state with dilated pupils on one side. Prior to surgery, both pupils exhibited dilation. Diagnostic imaging revealed a massive hematoma in the left basal ganglia region on CT scan, while CTA demonstrated an aneurysm located in the middle cerebral artery and A1 segment.
To address these critical conditions, a "Three-in-One" surgical technique and concept were employed, aiming to remove the hematoma and clip the aneurysm:
Step one involved rapid decompression through puncture and drainage, resulting in a prompt reduction of blood pressure. This initial step was crucial in stabilizing the patient's condition.
In step two, the hematoma was meticulously removed using an endoscopic approach, and the aneurysm was successfully clipped, preventing further complications.
Step three consisted of the removal of the bone flap, further optimizing the surgical outcome.
Following the procedure, the patient exhibited a remarkable recovery. Consciousness was regained, and the left limbs demonstrated normal functionality. The muscle strength in the right limbs improved to grade 3, indicating significant progress. Ultimately, the patient was discharged successfully, having achieved a favorable outcome(Fig. 8).
2.2 Vascular Malformation
A 28-year-old male presented with spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage and was admitted to the hospital. CTA revealed a giant vascular malformation. Preoperatively, the patient developed hydrocephalus and underwent emergency external ventricular drainage followed by interventional treatment. Partial embolization of the vascular malformation was performed under the premise of safety.
Ten days postoperatively, the patient experienced bleeding, which was managed by endoscopic evacuation of the hematoma and occlusion of the partially supplying arteries. The patient had a smooth recovery and was discharged. Follow-up examination two months later showed favorable outcomes(Fig. 9).
2.3 Arteriovenous Fistula
A 60-year-old male patient suddenly experienced pain and vomiting for no apparent reason about 8 hours ago. CT scan revealed a hemorrhage in the left temporal lobe. Preoperative CTA revealing vascular malformation and arteriovenous fistula. The patient underwent a minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgery to remove the hematoma and correct the vascular malformation. The surgery achieved an impressive hematoma clearance rate of 98.4%. After the procedure, the patient recovered well(Fig. 10).
2.4 Moyamoya Disease with Hemorrhage
A 48-year-old woman with a history of hypertension was admitted to the hospital after developing sudden aphasia, left upper limb weakness, vomiting, and coma. A head CT scan revealed a hemorrhage in the right temporal-parietal lobe that spread into the ventricle. The patient also had stage 3 hypertension and signs of impending brain herniation. To treat the intraventricular hemorrhage, the patient had neuroendoscopic surgery. Postoperative CTA results indicated the presence of Moyamoya disease. However, the patient demonstrated improved consciousness and a successful surgical outcome(Fig. 11).