Robotic-guided radiofrequency ablative disconnection of hypothalamic hamartoma.

Abstract

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) are benign masses, often associated with drug-refractory epilepsy (DRE). Open surgery as well as the endoscopic disconnection techniques are fraught with a high risk of morbidity and failure rates. The authors have been performing robotic-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation for all types of HH presenting with DRE as a standard procedure at their institution. The authors have operated on 25 patients with HH using this technique over the last 8 years. This is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive technique. In this video article, the authors intend to demonstrate their technique of RF ablative disconnection under robotic guidance.