Abstract
Conventional dissection techniques require the excision of a channel from the cortex
through the white matter with suction and bipolar cautery for the excision of deep-seated
brain lesions. An alternative approach, using a previously described technique, in
four cases is illustrated in this article. After craniotomy and dural opening, the
index finger portion of a surgical glove was removed, tied over a brain cannula and
gently passed towards the lesion under ultrasound guidance. Once the needle-tip was
sonologically confirmed to be on the lesion, the balloon was inflated with about 3
to 5 ml of saline. This created a track through which the lesion could be excised
under the microscope. The lesions were satisfactorily excised through the track created
without removal of brain tissue. The accuracy of this minimally invasive technique
can be enhanced when used in conjunction with intraoperative ultrasound guidance.
Key words
Balloon dilatation - minimally invasive neurosurgery - intraoperative ultrasound -
deep brain lesions
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A. G. Chacko,M. Ch.
Section of Neurosurgery · Christian Medical College Hospital
Vellore 632004
India
Fax: +91-416-2232103
Email: agchacko@cmcvellore.ac.in
