From Microscopic to Exoscopic Microsurgery: Are We Facing a Change of Paradigm?

Background: Neurosurgery is a medical branch characterized by small and deep surgical field with the need of manipulation and dissection of anatomical structures. High light and magnification are required in order to avoid injuries to important anatomical structures and to avoid permanent neurological deficits. Introduction of operative microscope made a change of paradigm in neurosurgery allowing to better see what could not be seen with common light. Nowadays, introduction of several technologies have increased the safety and efficacy of neurosurgery. Among new technologies, the 3D exoscope is emerging pretending to shift the paradigm of microneurosurgery. In this work, we aim to show our first experience with the use of the exoscope showing advantages and disadvantages.

Materials and methods: We reviewed our surgical database from the introduction of the exoscope in our department (in November 2020 temporarily; then from November 2021 definitively) searching for all the microsurgery interventions performed in the period.

Results: From the introduction of the exoscope in our department, we operated 244 cases with the OM and 228 with the exoscope. We operated 175 lesions located in the supratentorial compartment, 29 in the infratentorial, and 24 in the spinal column. Regarding the OM, the ratios were as follows: 122 females and 122 males; 235 adults and 9 children; 66 supratentorial lesions, 14 infratentorial lesions, and 164 spine surgeries. Our team showed a progressive switch from the microscope to the exoscope. Only one member of our team preferred to continue to use the standard operative microscope.

Conclusions: Our experience showed no complications related to the use of the exoscope that proved to be safe and effective both for surgery and teaching.