OBJECTIVE: A modification of other reported endoscopic techniques for intracerebral clot evacuation is described and illustrated. METHODS: From January 2014 to December 2014, we operated on 6 patients harboring a spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage using a fully endoscopic freehand technique. Clinical chart and surgical videos were analyzed. Volumetric evaluation of the clot preoperatively and the residual hematoma postoperatively was performed. Clinical outcome was measured using the modified Rankin Scale and Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 96 minutes (range, 72-125 minutes). Clot evacuation was >90% in all patients. No patient experienced rebleeding after surgery. Two patients died. The Glasgow Outcome Scale score at 6 months was 4 in 2 patients, 3 in 2 patients, and 1 (death) in 2 patients. The modified Rankin Scale score at 6 months was 6 (death) in 2 patients, 4 in 2 patients, 3 in 1 patient and 2 in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed minimally invasive technique allows a good rate of hematoma evacuation and intraoperative bleeding control. Further studies in large series are needed to confirm the role of this freehand endoscopic technique.
OBJECTIVE: A modification of other reported endoscopic techniques for intracerebral clot evacuation is described and illustrated. METHODS: From January 2014 to December 2014, we operated on 6 patients harboring a spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage using a fully endoscopic freehand technique. Clinical chart and surgical videos were analyzed. Volumetric evaluation of the clot preoperatively and the residual hematoma postoperatively was performed. Clinical outcome was measured using the modified Rankin Scale and Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 96 minutes (range, 72-125 minutes). Clot evacuation was >90% in all patients. No patient experienced rebleeding after surgery. Two patients died. The Glasgow Outcome Scale score at 6 months was 4 in 2 patients, 3 in 2 patients, and 1 (death) in 2 patients. The modified Rankin Scale score at 6 months was 6 (death) in 2 patients, 4 in 2 patients, 3 in 1 patient and 2 in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed minimally invasive technique allows a good rate of hematoma evacuation and intraoperative bleeding control. Further studies in large series are needed to confirm the role of this freehand endoscopic technique.