The Role of Ventriculocisternostomy in the Management of Hydrocephalus in Mali and the Democratic Republic of the...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Global Health

Background:

• Hydrocephalus presents significant challenges in neurosurgical practice.
• Effective management strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Assessing novel surgical techniques in resource-limited settings is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of ventriculocisternostomy (VCS) for hydrocephalus management.
• To assess VCS efficacy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mali.
• To optimize hydrocephalus patient care in African urban centers.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, analytical cohort study was conducted.
• The study included two major urban healthcare facilities in Kinshasa (DRC) and Bamako (Mali).
• Data were collected from December 2022 to June 2023.

Main Results:

• In Mali, 7 patients had VCS, 4 had VCS with spinal surgery, and 1 had VCS with biopsy.
• In Kinshasa, 25 patients had VCS, and 4 had VCS with spinal surgery.
• Median hospital stays were 8 days (Mali) and 10 days (Kinshasa).

Conclusions:

• Ventriculocisternostomy (VCS) is a promising alternative for hydrocephalus treatment in Mali and DRC.
• VCS has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
• The procedure can strengthen local neurosurgical capabilities in these regions.