Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in obstructed hydrocephalus

Forty-three ETV were performed in 46 patients of obstructive hydrocephalus. Study was divided into two groups. Group 1 was with 29 children of less than two years age. Group 2 had seventeen patients of more than 2 years, adolescent and adults. Group 1 had 70% clinical and 63% radiological improvement whereas Group 2 showed 100% clinical and 73% radiological improvement. ETV failed in relieving the symptoms of hydrocephalus in eight patients. They were eventually benefited with VP Shunt. There was one postoperative death, which was not related to the procedure. ETV is an important alternative to VP Shunt in relieving hydrocephalus due to obstruction in CSF pathway.