Novel Cost-Effective Tubular Port Based on Glove and Syringe for Endoscopic Surgery of Intracerebral Hematomas

Abstract

Background: Intracerebral hematomas (ICH) is a common disease in the developing countries, and minimally invasive transportal resection of ICH is a widely accepted surgical technique. Many port systems are available, but most are disposable and expensive. We present a safe and cost-effective glove-syringe substitute for endoscopic hematoma evacuation, suitable for developing countries such as China.

Methods: A port substitute of different sizes and lengths was constructed using sterile gloves and syringes, commonly found in a surgical environment.

Results: We successfully performed endoscopic hematoma removal in 7 patients including 1 cerebellar hemorrhage case and the remaining 6 supratentorial basal ganglia cases (1 patient taking oral aspirin). Bipolar electrocoagulation was used to control bleeding from the ruptured blood vessels. There were no postsurgical complications.

Conclusions: The glove-syringe port is a convenient, safe, and cost-effective tubular port system for endoscopic surgery of ICH. Such ports can be used as substitutes when commercial sleeves are unavailable, especially in rural areas and developing countries.

Keywords: Endoscopic surgery; Intracerebral hematoma; Minimally invasive brain surgery; Transportal brain surgery; Tubular port.