Combination of the tubular retractor and brain spatulas provides an adequate operative field in surgery for deep‑seated lesions: Case series and technical note

Background: Surgeries for deep‑seated lesions are challenging because making a corridor and observing the interface between lesions and normal brain tissue are difficult. The ViewSite Brain Access System, which is a clear plastic tubular retractor system, is used for resection of deep‑seated lesions. However, the tapered shape of this system may result in limitation of the surgical field and cause brain injury to observe the interface between lesions and normal tissue. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of the combination of ViewSite and brain spatulas. Methods: Nine patients were retrospectively identified who underwent resection of deep‑seated lesions with the combination of Viewsite and brain spatulas. We assessed the extent of resection, prognosis, and quantitative brain injury from postoperative diffusion‑weighed imaging (DWI). Results: There were four total radiographically confirmed resections. Subtotal resection in four patients and partial resection in one with central neurocytoma were achieved because these tumors were strongly adherent to the choroid plexus and ependymal veins. Only one case of metastatic tumor relapsed 6 months after surgery. The mean postoperative high signal on DWI was 3.68 ± 0.80 cm³. Conclusions: The combination of ViewSite and brain spatulas provides wide and adequate operative fields to observe the interface between lesions and normal tissue, and to prevent brain injury from excessive retraction pressure on the brain derived from repositioning of the ViewSite. Postoperative 3D volumetric analysis shows minimal damage to normal brain tissue. This report may provide new insight into the use of the ViewSite tubular retractor.