Background Neuroendoscopy is gaining popularity and is reaching new realms. Young neurosurgeons are exploring the various possibilities associated with the use of neuroendoscopy. Neuroendoscopy in excision of parenchymal brain tumors is less explored, and young neurosurgeons should be aware of the realities. The present article is an approach to put forward the difficulties faced by a young neurosurgeon and the lessons learnt. Objective To report the experience of surgical excision of parenchymal brain tumors, in selected cases, using pure endoscopic approach and to discuss its feasibility, technical benefits, risks and comparison with conventional microscopic excision. Method Eight patients of variable age group with parenchymal brain tumors were operated upon by a single surgeon and followed up for a period varying from 6 months to 2 years. Data regarding operating time, illumination, clarity of the field, size of craniotomy, blood loss and course of recovery was evaluated. All of the tumors were resected using rigid high definition zero and 30° endoscope. Results Out of eight cases, seven had lesions in the supratentorial and one in the infratentorial location. The age group ranged from 27 to 74 years old. Near to gross total resection was achieved in all except two cases. All of the patients recovered well without any significant morbidity or mortality. Hospital stay was reduced by 1 day on average. Conclusion Excision of parenchymal brain tumors via pure endoscopic method is a safe and efficient procedure. Although there is an initial period of learning curve, it is not steep for those already practicing neuroendoscopy, but the approach has its advantages.

Background: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the individual and combined efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters, which include MRI perfusion, MRI diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the grading of gliomas as low grade versus high grade. The pre-operative imaging-based grading of gliomas by multiparametric MRI was compared with the gold standard histopathological studies. Methods: A total of 22 patients referred to the radiology department for multiparametric MRI of the brain with presumptive diagnosis of glioma on computed tomography/MRI were included in the study. Conventional T1, T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images were obtained followed by perfusion MRI using gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist) administration. This was followed by DWI and MRS. Results: Our statistical analysis demonstrated that a cut-off of apparent diffusion coefficient value of 954.085 (10–6 mm2/Sec) provides a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 85.7%, respectively, in differentiating low-grade gliomas (LGGs) from high-grade gliomas (HGGs). A choline/creatine ratio cut-off value of 2 provides sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 92.9%, respectively, while a cut-off value of 1.45 of choline/N-acetylaspartate ratio provides both sensitivity and specificity of 100% in differentiating LGG from HGG. A cut-off of 1.9 for maximum relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) value provides both sensitivity and specificity of 100% in differentiating LGGs from HGGs. Conclusions: We concluded that perfusion MRI (rCBV) was the best parameter among perfusion MRI, DWI and MRI spectroscopy in differentiating HGGs from LGGs. Combined multiparametric results showed a diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 86.4%, 82.4%, 100%, 100% and 62.5%, respectively, on comparison with gold standard histopathological grading.