Shanghai doctors are now using neuro-endoscope to conduct neuro-surgery for brain tumor, in an attempt to cause less damage to the patients' brain tissue.
In this regard, the city's Huashan Hospital last week set up Asia's first endoscope-assisted micro-neuro-surgery center, which will also serve as a training center for medical staff from other countries and regions.
Removing a brain tumor is a tough task for doctors, as the process unavoidably damages the patient's nerves and blood vessels, resulting in high mortality and causing disability. Some patients suffer from severe post-surgery pain or trouble, doctors said.
With the help of the endoscope, however, doctors take a "keyhole" approach to the surgery, which ensures a safer surgical process, quicker recovery and mild scars.
"The adoption of a micro-scope reduces the size of the cut from 10 to 5 centimeters, and the endoscope shortens it to no more than 3 centimeters," said Dr. Wang Yongfei of Huashan's neuro-surgery department.
"More importantly the endoscope provides a clear view from any direction, which means doctors needn't hurt the nerves and vessels while searching for the hidden tumor," said Wang.
(eastday.com April 29, 2002)
