Syringe Port System as a Tubular Retractor Technique for Brain Lesions: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Abstract Objective To describe a tubular retractor technique for brain lesions through a series of cases and to conduct a literature review on intracranial tubular retractors with emphasis on the syringe port system. Materials and Methods We described four cases of lesions with an intraventricular component and different pathological patterns. The surgeries were performed between April, 2021 and July, 2022. The images were acquired through computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and transferred to the Horos software, version 1.1.7. To make the tubular retractor, a 20-mL syringe and a 14-Fr/Ch, 30-mL/cc Foley probe were used. The syringe was sectioned according to the planned depth based on preoperative imaging. The syringe was the retractor itself, while the probe served as a means of dilating the path to the lesion. Results Gross total resection was achieved in all cases, and the samples collected were satisfactory regarding the results of the anatomopathological study. All patients evolved without any additional deficits and with adequate postoperative image control. Conclusion The syringe as a tubular retractor associated with the Foley probe as a surgical port dilator was useful, and it enabled the radical resection of intracranial tumors related to the lateral ventricle, not limiting the use of auxiliary instruments, neither of microsurgical instruments; therefore, it is an affordable, secure, and inexpensive method.