Role of Endoscopy in Neurosurgery – A Historical Perspective

Abstract

Since the first endoscope for minimal access surgery was developed in 1806 there has been a steady improvement in technology available to the endoscopist. The unique perspective that neuroendoscopy offered was not fully realized until key technological advances made reliable and accurate visualization of the brain and ventricles possible. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and other neurendoscopic procedures are now commonly used to treat a wide array of neurosurgical disease conditions. This has reduced appreciably surgical time, morbidity, mortality, in-hospital stay and ultimately the cost when compared with that of open neurosurgical procedures. In the future, neuroendoscopy is expected to become the routine treatment option in many neurosurgical diseases especially in the third world since it is ultimately cost effective.

Key words: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy, Minimal access surgery, Neuroendoscopy