Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus

Abstract

To explore the effects, influencing factors, and complications of endoscopic third ventriculostomy for obstructive hydrocephalus. The clinical data of 55 patients with obstructive hydrocephalus, 29 males and 26 females, aged 18.4 (6 months - 59 years), who underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy were analyzed retrospectively. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed successfully in 54 patients, and one patient failed to undergo endoscopic third ventriculostomy because of densely distributed blood vessels at the bottom of the third ventricle. Satisfying post-operative results were obtained in 50 cases and no effect was seen in 4 cases that underwent V-P shunt 3 months later. Subdural hygroma occurred in 4 of the 55 cases, subscale hydrops in 8 cases, post-operative fever in 4 cases, epilepsy in 1 case, and epidural hemorrhage in 1 case. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is safe and effective in the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus.