Abstract
The authors report 6 patients with arachnoid cysts treated endoscopically. The series
includes 6 patients with temporobasal arachnoid cysts. The age of the patients at
the time of diagnosis ranged fom 5 to 71 years. The patients' symptoms included headache,
seizures, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and problems with balance. The authors performed
cystocisternostomies via burr holes with the aid of a universal neuroendoscopic system.
In 4 cases the endoscopic fenestration was a unique treatment which enabled the avoidance
of a definitive cystoperitoneal shunt. In the two cases treated subsequently, cystoperitoneal
shunts were performed. The surgical endoscopic technique and the postoperative radiological
findings which indirectly confirm the patency of the fenestration are discussed. The
authors conclude that endoscopic fenestration of intracranial fluid cysts represents
the treatment of preference. In cases where the endoscopic procedure fails a microneurosurgical
procedure or cystoperitoneal shunting is recommended to avoid exposing the patient
to additional risk.
Key words
Minimally invasive neurosurgery - Arachnoid cysts - Neuroendoscopy
