Endoscopic Management of Intraventricular Brain Tumors in Pediatric Patients: A Review of Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes

Abstract

Endoscopic neurosurgical techniques have enabled pediatric neurosurgeons to treat a number of conditions in a minimally invasive manner. In addition to its pivotal role in the treatment of hydrocephalus, endoscopy is increasingly being used in the management of intraventricular brain tumors. Endoscopy has become the first-line modality for obtaining tumor samples from many intraventricular tumors, some of which do not ultimately need aggressive surgical treatment. Endoscopic techniques enable simultaneous treatment of hydrocephalus with tumor biopsy, saving patients an additional procedure. Endoscopy may also be used for complete excision of intraventricular tumors in selected cases. Overall, surgeries performed endoscopically are less invasive than conventional open neurosurgery and often enable shorter lengths of hospital stay and decreased costs. This article reviews endoscopic management of intraventricular tumors in children with a focus on indications, techniques, and outcomes. Relevant case examples are provided to illustrate the utility of these procedures.