Application of Endoscopy to the Resection of Intra-Axial Tumors

Endoscopy has become a useful tool in neurosurgery for the primary treatment of pathology in the ventricles and as a primary or adjunctive modality for pathology in the extra-axial subarachnoid space. Its use in the treatment of intra-axial tumors is not well developed. The authors address their preliminary use of the endoscope in this setting and discuss indications and techniques. This application is still in its infancy but shows promise for helping surgeons to optimize tumor resection while decreasing retraction on normal tissue.