Endoscopic third ventriculostomy

Neurosurg Focus. 2005 Dec 15;19(6):E11.

Abstract

The traditional treatment for all forms of hydrocephalus has been the implantation of ventricular shunt systems; however, these systems have inherent tendencies toward complications such as malfunction and infection. A significant advance in the treatment of hydrocephalus has been the evolution of endoscopy. The recent technological advances in this field have led to a renewed interest in endoscopic third ventriculostomy as the treatment of choice for obstructive hydrocephalus. Although several different endoscopes are available, the authors favor a rigid one to perform a blunt fenestration of the third ventricle floor. This description of the technique stresses the nuances for successful completion of this procedure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Endoscopy / methods*
  • Endoscopy / standards
  • Endoscopy / trends
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / pathology
  • Hydrocephalus / physiopathology
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Third Ventricle / pathology
  • Third Ventricle / physiopathology
  • Third Ventricle / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventriculostomy / methods*
  • Ventriculostomy / standards
  • Ventriculostomy / trends