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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
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Published on: October 14, 2022
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in previously shunted children: a retrospective study
Elisabetta Marton1, Alberto Feletti, Luca Basaldella
1Department of Neurosurgery, Treviso Hospital, University of Padova, Piazzale Ospedale 1, Treviso, Italy. emarton@ulss.tv.it
Insights
Secondary endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in children with shunt malfunction has a 64% success rate. This safe and rapid procedure is a viable option for previously shunted pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Hydrocephalus Management
Background:
- Shunt malfunction is a common complication in pediatric hydrocephalus management.
- Secondary endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) offers an alternative to repeat shunting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mid-term outcomes of secondary ETV in pediatric patients.
- To determine success rates and time-to-failure for secondary ETV.
- To analyze preoperative and postoperative care in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 22 pediatric patients.
- Patients underwent secondary ETV following shunt malfunction.
Main Results:
- The failure rate for secondary ETV was 36%, with failure occurring within 1 month.
- Mean time to failure was 14.3 days.
- No significant correlation found between ETV failure and patient age or hydrocephalus etiology.
Conclusions:
- Secondary ETV in pediatric patients with shunt malfunction has a 64% success rate.
- ETV is a safe, rapid treatment option, suitable even for emergencies.
- This procedure is recommended for previously shunted children.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to assess the mid-term results, success rates, and time-to-failure of secondary endoscopic third ventriculostomy (secondary ETV), as well as the complex management of preoperative and postoperative cares.
Methods:
To this purpose, a retrospective analysis of a pediatric population of 22 children who underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) after shunt malfunction (secondary ETV) was performed.
Results:
The failure rate, given by the percentage of new shunt replacement in the first 3 months after ETV, was 36%, with a mean time to failure of 14.3 days. All the failures were evident within 1 month after the ETV. Despite the small number of patients in our series, we found no significant correlation between ETV failure and both patient age and hydrocephalus etiology (p = 0.47 and p = 0.78, respectively).
Conclusions:
In our experience, ETV secondary to shunt malfunction in pediatric patients has a success rate of 64%. As it is a safe and rapid treatment option even in emergency conditions, it is worth performing this procedure in previously shunted children.
