Keyhole Neurosurgery - Know More About It!

Keyhole neurosurgery or endoscopic surgery has changed the neurosurgery scene. Open surgery is fraught with complications, which can be avoided with keyhole surgery. This is why this kind of surgery is preferred by most surgeons and fills the patients with relief too because they have to endure less pain.

What is Keyhole Surgery? 

During keyhole surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the region where the surgery is to be performed. Through this hole, a lighted stick called an endoscope with a high-resolution camera is inserted. The device is equipped with an eyepiece through which the surgeon looks. The light illuminates the inside of the passage and the camera sends images that can guide the surgeon. Through another similar incision, delicate surgical instruments are inserted and the surgeon utilizes these to cut or amputate the tumour.

Throughout the duration of the surgery, you will be unconscious because general anaesthesia will be administered.

What are the Different Kinds of Keyhole Neurosurgery?

Keyhole Brain Surgery

A hole is made above your eyebrows or the surgeon may choose to insert the endoscope through your nasal cavity or even the mouth.

This surgery is suggested to people who have been diagnosed with-

• Pituitary tumours

• Glioma

• Chordoma

• Meningioma

Keyhole Spinal Surgery

Traditionally open surgery is relied upon for treating spinal disorders. But, this kind of surgery causes tears in the tissues and muscles of the spinal area. Advancement in technology has allowed surgeons to opt for keyhole spinal surgeries.

During this procedure, a tubular retractor is used to drill a hole into the spine and it also holds the muscles apart without causing a tear. Just like in brain surgery, the endoscope is used to guide the surgeon who performs the necessary procedure.

Keyhole spinal surgery might be needed in cases of-

• Disk issues

• Development of bone spurs on the spine

• Spinal instability

What are the Benefits of Keyhole Neurosurgery?

Here are the reasons why keyhole neurological surgeries are popular-

• They reduce the possibility of infections developing at the site of the surgery

• Patients heal a lot faster

• These surgeries do not damage the adjacent tissues or blood vessels

Keyhole neurosurgery has ushered in a new era of surgical intervention. Wherever possible doctors try to recommend these endoscopic procedures.