A cylindrical endoport and self-retaining port-holder: technical advances in Neurosurgery (a brief technical report)

Tubular ports are commonly used in endoscopic neurosurgical procedures. Studies have shown that by splitting and not disrupting fiber tracts, the neuroports can cause much less damage to the brain as compared to the one caused by blades of the conventional retraction systems. We describe here a transparent, soft, and flexible silastic tube that can be used as a neuroendoport successfully for removal of deep-seated brain tumors and hematomas. The self-retaining retractor system described in this report is safe and efficient to hold the endoport in position and is used in our department without any complication. More importantly, the system is indigenous and cheaper and is available in all neurosurgery departments.