Water Jet Dissection in Neurosurgery: An Update After 208 Procedures With Special Reference to Surgical Technique and Complications

Background Water jet dissection represents a promising technique for precise brain tissue dissection with preservation of blood vessels. In the past, the water jet dissector has been used for various pathologies. A detailed report of the surgical technique is lacking. Objective The authors present their results after 208 procedures with a special focus on surgical technique, intraoperative suitability, advantages, and disadvantages. Methods Between March 1997 and April 2009, 208 patients with various intracranial neurosurgical pathologies were operated on with the water jet dissector. Handling of the device and its usefulness and extent of application were assessed. The pressures encountere…