Minimally Invasive Neurosurgical Approaches: A Comprehensive Review of Outcomes and Innovations

Fiore Azimzadeh^*
*Correspondence: Fiore Azimzadeh, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK, Email:

Introduction

In recent years, minimally invasive neurosurgery has revolutionized the field of neurosurgery, offering patients a range of benefits from reduced recovery times to minimized surgical risks. Minimally invasive neurosurgery (MIS) refers to a variety of surgical techniques aimed at reducing the physical impact of surgical procedures on patients. These techniques use advanced technologies to perform complex procedures with smaller incisions, less disruption to surrounding tissues and often under the guidance of highresolution imaging. The overarching goal of MIS is to improve patient outcomes, enhance surgical precision and accelerate recovery. Endoscopic neurosurgery has become a cornerstone of minimally invasive approaches. By utilizing a small, flexible tube equipped with a camera and surgical instruments, surgeons can access the brain or spinal cord through small openings.

Endoscopic surgery has emerged as a transformative approach in neurosurgery, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods. This technique employs a small, flexible tube equipped with a camera and specialized instruments to access and treat conditions within the brain and spinal cord through tiny incisions. The following sections explore the key aspects of endoscopic neurosurgery, including its techniques, innovations, benefits and outcomes. Endoscopic endonasal surgery allows access to pituitary tumors through the nasal cavity, reducing the need for more invasive craniotomies. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy can create a bypass for cerebrospinal fluid, alleviating symptoms without large-scale intervention. Endoscopic procedures generally result in shorter hospital stays, reduced postoperative pain and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery [1,2].

Description

Robotic systems such as the ROSA and the Stealth Station platforms provide enhanced precision in neurosurgical procedures. Robots can help with precise placement of instruments and implants, particularly in spinal surgeries and tumor resections. Advanced imaging and computer-assisted navigation improve the surgeon's ability to visualize and plan surgical interventions. Studies indicate that robotic-assisted surgeries can lead to fewer complications, shorter recovery periods and better functional outcomes due to improved precision. Keyhole or mini-craniotomy techniques involve making very small incisions to access the brain. Intracranial Aneurysms is keyhole surgery can facilitate the clipping or coiling of aneurysms with minimal brain exposure. Brain Tumors are small openings allow for the removal of tumors with reduced impact on surrounding healthy tissue. Patients undergoing keyhole surgery often experience less postoperative discomfort and quicker functional recovery compared to traditional craniotomies.

Neuroendovascular procedures involve accessing the brain's blood vessels through the vascular system, often using catheters and coils. Aneurysm Coiling is by inserting coils into aneurysms through catheters, the risk of rupture is significantly reduced. Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Embolization is catheters can deliver materials to block abnormal blood vessels, reducing the risk of haemorrhage [3,4]. Neuroendovascular techniques typically involve shorter hospital stays and reduced postoperative recovery times. However, the long-term efficacy and risk of recurrence remain areas of active research. Smaller incisions and less tissue disruption generally result in less pain and a lower need for postoperative analgesics. Patients often return to their daily activities more quickly due to reduced physical trauma and shorter hospital stays. The precision of minimally invasive techniques can reduce the likelihood of infection, hemorrhage and other complications.

Advanced techniques and technologies require specialized training and experience. Some complex cases may still necessitate traditional open surgery due to the limitations of current MIS techniques. The high cost of advanced technologies can be a barrier to widespread adoption. Future research and technological advancements are likely to address these challenges. Innovations such as improved robotic systems, enhanced imaging techniques and novel endoscopic tools are expected to expand the scope and effectiveness of minimally invasive neurosurgery. Invasive neurosurgical approaches remain a fundamental part of neurosurgery, especially for complex conditions where less invasive techniques are not applicable. These approaches involve significant surgical intervention, often requiring larger incisions and direct manipulation of brain or spinal tissues [5].

Invasive neurosurgical approaches play a critical role in managing complex neurological conditions that cannot be addressed by less invasive techniques. While these procedures involve significant surgical intervention and associated risks, they often provide essential benefits in terms of symptom relief, functional improvement and overall quality of life. Continued advancements in technology and technique, along with careful patient management, are key to optimizing outcomes and minimizing complications in invasive neurosurgery.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive neurosurgical approaches represent a significant advancement in neurosurgery, offering numerous benefits including reduced recovery times, lower complication rates and improved patient outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, these techniques will likely become even more refined, providing patients with safer and more effective treatment options. Continued research and development in this field are crucial for overcoming current limitations and further enhancing the capabilities of minimally invasive neurosurgery.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Husain, Qasim, Smruti K. Patel, Resha S. Soni and Amit A. Patel, et al. "Celebrating the golden anniversary of anterior skull base surgery: Reflections on the past 50 years and its historical evolution."Laryngoscope123 (2013): 64-72.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. McRackan, Theodore R. and Derald E. Brackmann. "Historical perspective on evolution in management of lateral skull base tumors."Otolaryngol Clin N Am 48 (2015): 397-405.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Abbott, Rick. "History of neuroendoscopy."Neurosurg Clin 15 (2004): 1-7.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. McCutcheon, Ian E., J. Bob Blacklock, Randal S. Weber and Franco DeMonte, et al. "Anterior transcranial (craniofacial) resection of tumors of the paranasal sinuses: Surgical technique and results."Neurosurgery38 (1996): 471-480.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Abuzayed, Bashar, Necmettin Tanriover, Nurperi Gazioglu and Berna Senel Eraslan, et al. "Endoscopic endonasal approach to the orbital apex and medial orbital wall: Anatomic study and clinical applications."J Craniofac Surg 20 (2009): 1594-1600.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at