Stereotactic laser surgery for deep-seated brain tumors by open-system endoscopy.

A new approach for stereotactic laser surgery of deep-seated brain tumors using open-system endoscopy, i.e. employing a stereotactic guiding tube and fine endoscopes, is described. Accurate resection of intraaxial brain lesions with efficient hemostasis was achieved by CO2 and Nd:Yag laser irradiation under computed tomographic and magnetic resonance image guidance. Stereotactic endoscopic laser surgery is a promising new method for the treatment of deep-seated brain pathologies for which biopsy or irradiation had previously been the only treatment of choice.