Weill Cornell Neurological Surgery

Endoscopic Tumor Biopsy

This procedure is used to evaluate the nature of a patient's brain tumor, assessing size, shape, location, and pathology. It is safe and short in duration, lasting approximately 30 minutes.

This minimally invasive procedure is performed through a small incision (approximately 1 inch) behind the hairline. Starting from this incision, the neurosurgeon inserts an endoscope (a type of tube with a camera) into the ventricular compartment of the brain and then navigates toward the tumor. The tumor can be readily identified based on differences in appearance from surrounding tissue.

Using biopsy forceps, the neurosurgeon can then take a tissue sample, or biopsy, of the tumor. Because the neurosurgeon has the tumor in sight, samples can be selected avoiding any small blood vessels or other important structures within the ventricle Ð which cannot be done with standard "closed" needle biopsies.

Once the samples have been retrieved, the endoscope is removed and the small opening for this procedure is closed. Patients can return home the following day.

See more about the Minimally Invasive Surgical programs and the Brain Tumor Program at Weill Cornell.

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