Image guided neuroendoscopy for third ventriculostomy

Third ventriculostomy has become an increasing popular procedure for the treatment of hydrocephalus of different aetiologies. Between october 1997 and october 1998, 17 patients (12 females, 5 males; 12-82 year-old; mean age 43) underwent image-assisted endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus at the Istituto Nazionale Neurologico "C.Besta" of Milano. There was no mortality and no long term morbidity. Neuronavigation has been found useful in selecting the safest trajectory to the target avoiding any traction on the foramen of Monro related structures and allowing the necessary mobility for fine adjustments under visual and "tactile" control when choosing the safest point to perform the stoma. According to our experience neuro-endoscopy and neuronavigation seems to be complementary in reaching easy, safe and successful results in the treatment of hydrocephalus of different origins.