Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Author Spotlight: A Single-Entry Point Endoscopic Intraventricular Approach for Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy
Published on: June 28, 2024
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in obstructive hydrocephalus: A case report and analysis of operative technique
Matic Munda1, Peter Spazzapan1, Roman Bosnjak1
1Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
Background:
The endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a neuroendoscopical procedure that represents a more suitable alternative to the extracranial shunting. It consists of fenestrating the floor of the third ventricle and thus establishing a free flow of the cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricles to the site of resorption in the subarachnoid space. It offers a more physiological solution and a chance at a shunt-free life for children with hydrocephalus. The main indication for the procedure is obstructive hydrocephalus, however, it can also be useful in patients with other forms of hydrocephalus.
Case Summary:
We present a treatment flow of a 9-year-old patient, diagnosed with an obstructive hydrocephalus due to tectal glioma that was successfully treated with an ETV. We review the important factors influencing the success rate such as age, aetiology, shunt history, preoperative planning and visualisation of the basilar artery.
Conclusion:
Even though the ETV effectively controls obstructive hydrocephalus in more than 75% of all cases, the overall success rate of the procedure varies and could be approved by the correct preoperative patient selection.
