Keyhole Approaches in Neurosurgery

Enormous technological developments within and around modern neurosurgery, such as highly sophisticated preoperative imaging of the individual pathoanatomical situation, tailored planning of the operative procedure, routine application of neuronavigation devices and the intraoperative use of endoscopies, have enabled neurosurgeons to perform limited keyhole approaches, minimizing the craniotomy related intraoperative trauma. In this volume illustrative operative cases are demonstrated with practical application of minimal invasive approaches. The cases represent skull base tumors and vascular lesions -each of them leading to extended discussion on the possible surgical solution operating with the concept of keyhole strategy. Patient history, medical reports and neurological appearance are accurately described. Special attention is given to preoperative neuroradiological diagnostics. In particular, computer analysis of the imaging data with 3D representation of the pathoanatomical situation is presented, offering useful discussion on different approach possibilities. After tailored planning, minimally invasive keyhole surgery with well documented intra- and postoperative course of each patient is presented in detail.