[A new technic in the management of hydrocephalus: neuro-endoscopy]

Conventional valve shunting for treatment of hydrocephalus has a high rate of long-term complication. After a brief historical review of neurosurgical endoscopy the authors present the different indications and methods of neuroendoscopy. Between 1995 and 1997 twenty-two pediatric patients underwent endoscopic surgery at National Institute of Neurosurgery. Twelve of them had third ventriculo-cistemostomy, and cystic wall fenestration was performed in ten children. All but one patient benefited from this minimally invasive endoscopic technic. Minor transient complications were seen in three cases, and only one patient had long-term pupillary dilatation due to the surgical procedure.