Ensuring Neurosurgical Equity: Setup for Safe Ventricular Endoscopy and Predictors of Clinical Outcome in a Resource-Limited Health Care System

Abstract

Background/ObjectiveNeuroendoscopic surgeries require specialized equipment, which may not be universally available or equitably distributed in most neurosurgical units of resource-limited healthcare systems. This review reports on the use of locally available resources to perform safe ventricular endoscopic surgeries in patients with hydrocephalus and cystic craniopharyngioma, in a resource-limited health care system. MethodsThis study, described the use of locally available resources to perform intraventricular endoscopic surgeries, and retrospectively reviewed a three-year outcome of these surgeries, The authors, used a 24Fr, 2-way Foley's catheter, that served as an endoscopic working sheet. A transparent 9mm naso-tracheal tube, that served as a retractor and a peel-away sheet. An intravenous fluid (IVF) giving set, was used for irrigation, and a metallic stylet of External ventricular drain(EVD) was used for third ventricular floor or cyst wall fenestration. ResultsTwenty-one intraventricular endoscopic surgeries were performed, consisting; of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), septostomies, cystostomies, and intraventricular biopsies. Mortality occurred in four patients, with one of the mortality, directly related to intraoperative hemorrhage. Most (3/21) of the complications were post-operative CSF leakage and partial wound dehiscence. Of the 17 surviving patients, the ETV success rate was 82.4% (14/17). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the patient's age, etiology, ETV success score (ETVSS) and procedure performed were not predictive of ETV success or mortality. ConclusionsPatients accessing neurosurgical care in resource-limited healthcare systems can benefit from safe and successful intraventricular endoscopy. However, this may require the innovative use of locally available resources that can be adapted to local neurosurgical needs.