Complications of endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus

Abstract

To explore the complications of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for hydrocephalus and examine their preventions. From September 2008 to September 2013, ETV was offered for obstructive hydrocephalus (n=15) and communicating hydrocephalus (n=5). And the prevention and treatment of common complications were analyzed. All had achieved satisfactory outcomes. For 16 cases, their symptoms and signs disappeared, ventricle returned to normal and interstitial edema resolved; for another 4 cases, there were improvements of symptoms and (or) signs, ventricular shrinking and/or interstitial edema lessening. And the postoperative complications included fever (n=5), poor healing of incision (n=2), scalp hydrops (n=2) and intracranial infection (n=1). The indications of ETV should be selected strictly according to the specific anatomical characteristics of bottom of third ventricle. And individualized methods of stoma are necessary. And early postoperative lumbar puncture and drainage may obviously reduce complications and improve surgical outcomes.