Intraoperative dislocation of the distal lens of a neuroendoscope: a very rare complication: technical case report.

Abstract

A very unusual complication of neuroendoscopy that was caused by equipment failure is described. Intraoperatively, the distal lens of a reusable rigid, lenscope-type neuroendoscope became dislodged. Fortunately, this did not have any adverse consequences for the patient. The cause remains obscure but probably relates to the repeated use of the scope. Perhaps the use of a disposable neuroendoscope could have prevented this, but reusable lenscopes are designed to be used many times. The risk of such equipment failure should be weighed against the distinct advantage of a much clearer image than is provided by fiberscopes.