Patient-Reported Neurocognitive Outcome After Endoscopic Ventricular Surgery

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Neurocognition

Background:

• Endoscopic ventricular surgery (EVS) offers reduced morbidity compared to open craniotomy.
• EVS carries a risk of neurocognitive impairment due to potential injury to adjacent structures like the fornix and hypothalamus.
• Neurocognitive impairment following EVS is infrequently reported, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the subjective neurocognitive outcomes in patients who underwent EVS.
• To assess objective neurocognitive outcomes, return-to-work rates, and quality of life after EVS.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study included 51 adult patients undergoing EVS between 2010 and 2021.
• Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were used to measure subjective neurocognitive function.
• Descriptive and comparative statistics analyzed primary and secondary outcomes.

Main Results:

• 54.9% of patients presented with subjective neurocognitive impairment; hydrocephalus was the most common indication.
• Long-term subjective neurocognitive outcome improved in 78.3% of patients, while objective outcomes improved in 78.9%.
• Improved subjective and objective neurocognitive outcomes correlated (r=0.363, P=0.018); 70% returned to work, and 88.1% reported improved or unchanged quality of life.

Conclusions:

• EVS frequently leads to improvements in subjective neurocognitive function and quality of life.
• Permanent neurocognitive impairment after EVS is rare.
• Further well-designed trials are needed to comprehensively assess neurocognitive outcomes after EVS.