Endoscopic corpus callosotomy and hemispherotomy

OBJECT Corpus callosotomy and hemispherotomy are conventionally performed via a large craniotomy with the aid of a microscope for children with intractable epilepsy. Primary technical considerations include completeness of disconnection and blood loss. The authors describe an endoscopic technique performed through a microcraniotomy for these procedures. METHODS Four patients with drop attacks and 2 with intractable seizures related to a neonatal stroke underwent endoscopic complete corpus callosotomy and hemispherotomy, respectively. The surgeries were performed through a 2- to 3-cm precoronal microcraniotomy. Interhemispheric dissection to the corpus callosum was done using the standard technique. Subsequently, the bimanual technique with a suction device mounted on an endoscope was used to perform a complete corpus callosotomy, including interforniceal and anterior commissure disconnection. In patients who had hemispherotomy, the fornix was resected posteriorly and lateral disconnection was done by unro...