Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus secondary to central nervous system infection or intraventricular

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point
03:13

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point

Published on: June 28, 2024

Matthew D Smyth1, R Shane Tubbs, John C Wellons

  • 1Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.

Pediatric Neurosurgery
|September 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy (ETV) is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric hydrocephalus caused by central nervous system infections or intraventricular hemorrhage, with high success rates in carefully selected patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Neurological Surgery
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Hydrocephalus in children can result from central nervous system (CNS) infections or intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).
  • Endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy (ETV) is a minimally invasive surgical option for managing hydrocephalus.
  • Identifying success factors for ETV in specific pediatric populations is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the success rates and identify predictors of success for endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy (ETV) in children with hydrocephalus secondary to CNS infection or IVH.
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of ETV as a primary treatment modality in this pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 12 pediatric patients (<21 years) who underwent ETV between 1999 and 2002.
  • Patients had hydrocephalus due to perinatal germinal matrix hemorrhage or CNS infection with evidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathway obstruction.
  • Success defined as absence of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement or replacement; minimum follow-up of 12 months.

Main Results:

  • Thirteen ETV procedures were performed in 12 children (7 boys, 5 girls; mean age 9.2 years).
  • Overall ETV success rates were 60% for CNS infection and 71% for perinatal IVH.
  • No significant procedural complications were reported.

Conclusions:

  • ETV is a safe procedure for carefully selected pediatric hydrocephalus cases with 'communicating' etiologies.
  • The procedure demonstrates a high success rate in children with hydrocephalus due to CNS infection or IVH.
  • Further investigation in larger patient cohorts is warranted to solidify the role of ETV in these specific indications.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus14:59

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Published on: October 14, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles01:18

Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles

There are hollow fluid-filled cavities known as ventricles deep inside the human brain. There are two lateral ventricles, one in each cerebral hemisphere, and each has three different projections — the anterior, inferior, and posterior horns visible from the lateral side. A thin membrane called the septum pellucidum separates the two lateral ventricles. The slender third ventricle in the diencephalon is connected to each lateral ventricle via a channel called the interventricular foramen. The...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...