Endoscope-Assisted Resection for Cystic Cerebellar Hemangioblastomas

Hemangioblastomas are benign, often cystic tumors occurring most commonly in the cerebellum. We describe resection of cystic cerebellar hemangioblastomas using an endoscope-assisted technique.We present a series of 9 cases and discuss the endoscopic technique for resection of cystic hemangioblastoma. Frameless neuronavigation was used in all cases. A small 1- to 1.5-cm corticotomy lined with Surgicel and patties allows access to the peritumoral cyst. Using bimanual microsurgical techniques and the 30-degree rigid endoscope to provide visualization, the mural nodule can be resected and the cyst cavity inspected.Complete resection of the mural nodule was achieved in all cases. One patient had a postsurgery pseudomeningocele requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Hospital length of stay was short for all the patients.Endoscope-assisted resection is a safe and effective technique for surgical resection of cystic hemangioblastoma.