Mesencephalic ependymal cysts: treatment under pure endoscopic or endoscope–assisted keyhole conditions

Object Primary intracranial ependymal cysts are extremely rare. Similar to congenital intraparenchymal cysts in the mesencephalon they usually occur with symptoms of an occlusive hydrocephalus or symptoms like Parinaud syndrome, dizziness, or gait disturbance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical methods for the treatment of these cysts and the clinical outcome of the patients. Methods The authors present the clinical records of 8 patients who were treated in their department for symptomatic mesencephalic ependymal cysts in the past 10 years. The patient age ranged from 22 to 60 years with a mean age of 44 years. In 4 cases the authors performed a suboccipital infratentorial supracerebellar approach by using endoscope-assisted microsurgery. The other 4 patients underwent a pure endoscopic procedure over a frontal bur hole trepanation. Results Four patients became symptom free, and the remaining 4 improved significantly after a mean follow-up duration of 38.5 months (range 5–119 months). One patient underwent 2 operations: first a ventriculocystostomy and 4 months later endoscopic third ventriculostomy because of recurrent hydrocephalus. In 1 case a second surgery was necessary because of a wound infection. In all of the patients an adequate fenestration of the cyst was achieved. Conclusions A symptomatic mesencephalic ependymal cyst is an indication for neurosurgical intervention. These cysts can be treated successfully and most likely definitively by a pure endoscopic or endoscope-assisted keyhole neurosurgical technique. There were no morbid conditions or death due to the procedures in this group of 8 patients. Therefore, the authors regard these surgical procedures to be good alternatives to treatments such as shunt placement or stereotactic aspiration of the cysts.

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Opening and closure of intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures in infants under 1 year of age: institutional technique, case series and review of the literature

Child s Nervous System ◽

10.1007/s00381-020-04895-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 101-105 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

M. D. Cearns ◽

M. Kommer ◽

A. Amato-Watkins ◽

E. Campbell ◽

T. Beez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Case Series ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Infantile Hydrocephalus ◽

Wound Breakdown ◽

Csf Leakage ◽

Clinical Records

Abstract Purpose Intraventricular neuroendoscopic techniques, particularly third ventriculostomy, are employed increasingly in the management of infantile hydrocephalus. However, surgical access to the ventricular cavities is associated with a risk of post-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Here, we describe a structured, multi-layered approach to wound opening and closure which aims to maximise the natural tissue barriers against CSF leakage. We present a series of patients undergoing this technique and subsequently review the literature regarding opening and closure techniques in paediatric intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures. Methods We performed a retrospective case series analysis of patients under 1 year of age who underwent intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures in a single institution over a 5-year period. Patients were identified from an institutional operative database, and operation notes and clinical records were subsequently reviewed. Results 28 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this study. The mean age at operation was 9 weeks. 27 patients underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy whilst 1 underwent endoscopic septostomy, and all patients underwent our structured, multi-layered opening and closure technique. Follow-up ranged from 4 months to 5 years. There were no cases of post-operative CSF leak, infection or wound breakdown. 12 patients remained shunt-free at the last follow-up, with the remaining 16 requiring shunt insertion for progressive hydrocephalus at a mean of 24 days post-operatively. Conclusion Various methods aiming to prevent post-operative CSF leak have been reported in the literature. We propose that our institutional technique may be of benefit in minimising this risk in infants undergoing endoscopic third ventriculostomy and similar intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures.

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Fourth Ventricle Outlet Obstruction and Diverticular Enlargement of Luschka Foramina in a Child with Down Syndrome

Pediatric Neurosurgery ◽

10.1159/000511088 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Valentina Orlando ◽

Pietro Spennato ◽

Maria De Liso ◽

Vincenzo Trischitta ◽

Alessia Imperato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Down Syndrome ◽

Fourth Ventricle ◽

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽

Radiological Finding ◽

Outlet Obstruction ◽

Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Viable Option ◽

Case Presentation

Introduction: Hydrocephalus is not usually part of Down syndrome (DS). Fourth ventricle outlet obstruction is a rare cause of obstructive hydrocephalus, difficult to diagnose, because tetraventricular dilatation may suggest a communicant/nonobstructive hydrocephalus. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 6-year-old boy with obstructive tetraventricular hydrocephalus, caused by Luschka and Magendie foramina obstruction and diverticular enlargement of Luschka foramina (the so-called fourth ventricle outlet obstruction) associated with DS. He was treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) without complications, and a follow-up MRI revealed reduction of the ventricles, disappearance of the diverticula, and patency of the ventriculostomy. Conclusion: Diverticular enlargement of Luschka foramina is an important radiological finding for obstructive tetraventricular hydrocephalus. ETV is a viable option in tetraventricular obstructive hydrocephalus in DS.

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Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in Infants Less than One Year of Age: A Short Series of 14 Cases

Pediatric Neurosurgery ◽

10.1159/000513359 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 56 (2) ◽

pp. 105-109

Author(s):

Sarita Chowdhary ◽

Shyamendra Pratap Sharma ◽

Pranaya Panigrahi ◽

Manoj Kumar Yadav ◽

Shiv Prasad Sharma

Keyword(s):

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽

Aqueductal Stenosis ◽

Csf Shunt ◽

Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Occipital Encephalocele ◽

Shunt Implantation ◽

Permanent Morbidity ◽

One Year

Background: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is currently considered as an alternative to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems in the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. This procedure allows the CSF to drain in the basal cisterns and reabsorbed by arachnoid granulations, and avoiding implantation of exogenous material. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the success rate of ETV in infants less than 1 year of age with congenital noncommunicating hydrocephalus. Material and Methods: This study was a 2-year prospective study from August 2017 to July 2019. ETVs were performed in 14 patients younger than 1 year with diagnosis of noncommunicating hydrocephalous. A failure was defined as the need for shunt implantation after ETV. Phase-contrast MRI of the brain was done after 6 months to see patency of ETV fenestration and CSF flow through ventriculostomy. Results: ETV was tried in 18 patients and successfully performed in 14 patients. Out of the 14 patients, shunt implantation after ETV was performed in 3 patients (failed ETV). In the successful cases, etiology was idiopathic aqueductal stenosis in 8, shunt complications in 2, and 1 case was a follow-up case of occipital encephalocele; the mean age was 7.7 months (range 3–12). In the 3 failed cases, etiology was aqueductal stenosis, mean age was 7.6 months (range 3–11). In all ETVs, failed patients MPVP shunting was done. Follow-up of nonshunted patients was done from 6 to 24 months (mean 15 months). There was no mortality or permanent morbidity noted following ETV. Conclusion: ETV is a good surgical procedure for less than 1-year-old children.

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Transventricular, transaqueductal scope-in-scope endoscopic excision of fourth ventricular neurocysticercosis: a series of 13 cases and a review

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/ped-08/01/035 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 35-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Ashish Suri ◽

Rohit Kumar Goel ◽

Faiz Uddin Ahmad ◽

Ananth Kesav Vellimana ◽

Bhawani Shankar Sharma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

English Language ◽

Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Cyst Excision ◽

Shunt Placement ◽

Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

The Mean ◽

Clinical Records ◽

Ventricle Size

Object Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic infestation of the central nervous system worldwide. In patients presenting with acute hydrocephalus due to intraventricular NCC, surgery is the only option. Still, there is no consensus regarding the optimal surgical strategy, although neuroendoscopic excision is a promising method. However, the literature regarding the use of this modality in fourth ventricular NCC is scarce. The authors describe a series of patients with fourth ventricular NCC treated endoscopically. Methods The clinical records of 13 patients with fourth ventricular NCC who had presented with hydrocephalus were retrospectively analyzed. A fourth ventricular cyst was completely excised in all patients by using a transventricular, transaqueductal “scope-in-scope” endoscopic technique. Twelve endoscopic third ventriculostomies and 1 septostomy had been performed. Results Shunt placement was avoided in all patients. There were minimal peri- and postoperative complications. The mean duration of follow-up was 22.3 months (range 3–41 months). All patients had an improved clinical outcome. Follow-up neuroimaging revealed no residual lesion and a decreased ventricle size in all patients. Conclusions The present series of patients with fourth ventricular NCC is the largest in the existing English-language medical literature. Endoscopic fourth ventricular cysticercal cyst excision along with internal cerebrospinal fluid diversion via endoscopic third ventriculostomy is an effective alternative to open microneurosurgical procedures and avoids shunt placement and its related complications.

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ENDOSCOPIC THIRD VENTRICULOSTOMY (ETV) IS A BETTER ALTERNATIVE FOR VP SHUNT FAILURE IN NON-COMMUNICATING HYDROCEPHALUS

10.36106/ijar/9302582 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 65-67

Author(s):

Ramesh Tanger ◽

Dinesh Kumar Barolia ◽

Arka Chatterjee ◽

Punit Singh Parihar ◽

Arun Gupta

Keyword(s):

Success Rate ◽

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽

Shunt Revision ◽

Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Communicating Hydrocephalus ◽

Shunt Failure ◽

Shunt Insertion ◽

Vp Shunt

CONTEXT: VP Shunt is most commonly used procedure for hydrocephalus but shunt failure is also the common complication in many patients. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an accepted procedure for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. The aim of our study is to evaluate the success rate AIM AND OBJECTIVE - of ETV in patients of obstructive hydrocephalus formerly treated by ventriculo-peritoneal (VP shunt) shunt. The failure VP shunt was removed before ETV. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study was conducted between June 2015 and December 2019 in single unit of our department. Twenty one (n=21) patients were enrolled for this study. All patients were admitted with failure of VP shunt. They were known case of non-communicating hydrocephalus previously operated for VP shunt. Six patients were excluded for ETV because CT/MRI show grossly distorted anatomy of ventricles. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy was attempted in 15 patients, but ventriculostomy was done successfully in 10 patients, rests were treated with revision of VP shunt. All patients in this study were radiologically diagnosed RESULTS: case of hydrocephalus due to aqueduct stenosis. They were experienced VP shunt insertion but there were failure of shunt due to any reason. ETV procedures were done successfully in 10 patients. Out of 10 patients one patient needed shunt insertion due ineffective ETV. Shunt revision was done in 11 patients. There was no serious complication during and after ETV procedures. The follow-up period of patients with successful ETV was 6–60 months. This follow-up was uneventful and peaceful for their parents. ETV can be considered as an alternative treatment for the patients w CONCLUSION: ith VP shunt failure with an acceptable success rate of 80%, although long-term follow-up is needed for these patients.

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Dandy–Walker syndrome associated with syringomyelia in an adult: a case report and literature review

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060518808961 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (4) ◽

pp. 1771-1777

Author(s):

Nan Zhang ◽

Zhenyu Qi ◽

Xuewen Zhang ◽

Fangping Zhong ◽

Hui Yao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Rare Condition ◽

Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Adult Case ◽

History Of ◽

Memory Deterioration

Dandy–Walker syndrome associated with syringomyelia is a rare condition, with few reports of adult cases. We describe an adult case of Dandy–Walker syndrome with concomitant syringomyelia. A 33-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of walking instability, numbness in the hands, memory deterioration, and urinary incontinence. A physical examination showed a positive Romberg sign. Brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed hydrocephalus, a cyst in the posterior fossa, absence of the cerebellar vermis, hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and cerebella, and syringomyelia. All of these symptoms were consistent with the diagnosis of Dandy–Walker syndrome. Surgery involving arachnoid adhesiolysis and endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed. At the 6-month follow-up, the symptoms were completely relieved. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that syringomyelia was greatly reduced and the hydrocephalus remained unchanged. Dandy–Walker syndrome with concomitant syringomyelia in adults is exceedingly rare. Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment of this condition should be highlighted. Combined arachnoid adhesiolysis and endoscopic third ventriculostomy may be an effective approach.

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Endoscopic Transventricular Transaqueductal Magendie and Luschka Foraminoplasty for Hydrocephalus

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0000000000000283 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 74 (4) ◽

pp. 426-436 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Jaime Torres-Corzo ◽

Juan Sánchez-Rodríguez ◽

Dominic Cervantes ◽

Roberto Rodríguez-Della Vecchia ◽

Fernando Muruato-Araiza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pediatric Patients ◽

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Outlet Obstruction ◽

Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Alternative Technique ◽

Vp Shunt ◽

Long Term Follow Up ◽

Secondary Causes

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Routinely, hydrocephalus related to fourth ventricular outlet obstruction (FVOO) has been managed with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting or endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). Few reports on Magendie foraminoplasty exist, and Luschka foraminoplasty has not been described. OBJECTIVE: To present an alternative technique in the management of FVOO via an endoscopic transventricular transaqueductal Magendie and Luschka foraminoplasty and to discuss the indications, technique, findings, and outcomes. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2011, all patients who underwent endoscopic Magendie and Luschka foraminoplasty were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 33 Magendie (28) and/or Luschka (5) foraminoplasties were performed in 30 patients. Twenty-three were adult and 7 were pediatric patients. The etiology of the FVOO was divided into primary etiologies (congenital membrane in 5 and atresia in 2) and secondary causes (neurocysticercosis in 14 patients, bacterial meningitis in 9). Fifteen (50%) had previously failed procedures. Intraoperative findings that led to Magendie/Luschka foraminoplasty were ETV not feasible to perform, nonpatent basal subarachnoid space, or primary FVOO. Minor postoperative complications were seen in 3 patients. Only 26 patients had long-term follow-up; 17 (65.3%) of these had clinical improvement and did not require further procedures. Nine (34.7%) did not improve. Eight required another procedure (7 shunts, and 1 endoscopic procedure). One patient died. CONCLUSION: Flexible neuroendoscopic transventricular transforaminal Magendie and Luschka foraminoplasty is feasible and safe. These procedures may prove to be viable alternatives to standard ETV and VP shunt in appropriate patients. Adequate intraoperative assessment of ETV success is necessary to identify patients who will benefit.

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Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for Occlusive Hydrocephalus Caused by Cerebellar Infarction

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/01.neu.0000228681.45125.e9 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 59 (3) ◽

pp. 539-544 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Jörg Baldauf ◽

Joachim Oertel ◽

Michael R. Gaab ◽

Henry W.S. Schroeder

Keyword(s):

Glasgow Coma Scale ◽

Scale Score ◽

Glasgow Coma Scale Score ◽

Glasgow Outcome Scale ◽

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽

External Ventricular Drainage ◽

Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Cerebellar Infarction ◽

Ventricular Drainage ◽

Occlusive Hydrocephalus

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The surgical management of occlusive hydrocephalus caused by massive cerebellar infarction remains controversial. The procedures that are more commonly used to avoid progressive neurological deterioration are based on transient external ventricular drainage or the placement of permanent shunt systems. To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding using endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in patients with an occlusive hydrocephalus caused by cerebellar ischemic stroke. We report our experience of 10 reviewed cases. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2004, 10 patients with a resulting hydrocephalus caused by a space-occupying cerebellar infarction were managed with ETV. Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, cause of stroke, and computed tomographic signs, including the ischemic vascular territory involved and brain edema, were noted. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS: In all patients, there was a mean interval of 4 days from the onset of deterioration of consciousness to operation. Mean Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission was 11.2. In nine patients, ETV was the initial procedure of ventricular drainage. One patient was primarily treated with an external ventricular drainage, but the device dislocated and ETV was performed. In one patient, an external ventricular drainage became necessary 7 days after the initial ETV because of a malfunction of the stoma. One patient showed a progressive brain edema 2 days after ETV, and suboccipital decompression was performed. Eight successfully treated patients demonstrated an improvement in the level of consciousness after ETV. Mean Glasgow Outcome Scale score on discharge of all patients was 3.4. CONCLUSION: Occlusive hydrocephalus caused by cerebellar infarction is infrequent. When occlusive hydrocephalus is observed, ETV can be used successfully with minimal risks, especially with avoidance of a higher rate of infectious complications caused by external drainage systems.

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Early Outcome of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy With or Without Choroid Plexus Cauterization and Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt as Primary Treatment of Hydrocephalus in Infants With Myelomeningocele

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/neuros/nyz310_347 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Bamidele O Adebayo ◽

Okezie Kanu ◽

Olufemi B Bankole ◽

Omotayo Ojo

Keyword(s):

Success Rate ◽

Choroid Plexus ◽

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt ◽

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Successful Outcome ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Prospective Longitudinal ◽

Choroid Plexus Cauterization

Abstract INTRODUCTION Myelomeningocele is associated with hydrocephalus in 35% to 90% of cases. Hydrocephalus is usually treated with insertion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt. However, endoscopic third ventriculostomy with or without choroid plexus cauterization is a viable alternative. METHODS A prospective longitudinal study from January 2016 to December 2018 on patients with myelomeningocele who presented to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria and who had hydrocephalus.Informed consent for research and surgery were obtained. ETV with or without CPC or VPS was done with general anesthesia using standard operative techniques. Patients were followed up monthly for at least 6 mo. The surgery was adjudged failed if there was progressive head enlargement as well as other signs of hydrocephalus necessitating another surgery for hydrocephalus. RESULTS A total of 48 patients completed the study. A total of Six patients were lost to follow-up. Age range of the patients was 1 to 44 wk. A total of Five patients had ETV, 21 had ETV/CPC, and 22 patients had VPS. The mean OFC at the time of surgery were 45.3 cm and 44.9 cm for the endoscopic and VPS arms respectively. There were 2 (7.6%) cases of CSF leak in the endoscopic arm and 3 (13.6%) cases of wound dehiscence, with 1 (4.5%) case of CSF leak in the VPS arm. Mean age at surgery for ETV/CPC arm was 12.3 wand 11.5 wk for the VPS arm. Mean time to failure was 9.9 and 6.3 wk for endoscopic and VPS arms respectively. Four (80%) of the patients who had ETV had a successful outcome, 11 (52.3%) of those who had ETV/CPC had a successful outcome and 13 (59%) of those who had VPS had a successful outcome. At 6 mo follow up, overall success rate for the endoscopic arm was 57.6% and 59% for the VPS. CONCLUSION Endoscopic third ventriculostomy with or without choroid plexus cauterization had similar success rate with VPS at 6 mos.

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Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for shunt dysfunction in occlusive hydrocephalus: long-term follow up and review

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/jns.2003.98.5.1032 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 98 (5) ◽

pp. 1032-1039 ◽

Cited By ~ 89

Author(s):

Jürgen Boschert ◽

Dieter Hellwig ◽

Joachim K. Krauss

Keyword(s):

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽

The Other ◽

Third Ventriculostomy ◽

Content Type ◽

Shunt Placement ◽

Occlusive Hydrocephalus ◽

Shunt Dysfunction ◽

Fine Print

Object. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is the treatment of choice for occlusive (noncommunicating) hydrocephalus. Nevertheless, its routine use in patients who have previously undergone shunt placement is still not generally accepted. The authors' aim was to investigate the long-term effects of ETV in a group of prospectively chosen patients. Methods. Patients who underwent ETV and had previously undergone shunt placement for occlusive hydrocephalus were followed prospectively for at least 3 years (range 36–103 months, mean 63.6 months). Nine female and eight male patients ranging from 8 to 54 years of age (mean 32 years) had undergone shunt placement 0.7 to 23.5 years (mean 8.1 years) before ETV. Fifteen patients were admitted with underdrainage and two with overdrainage. In six cases, ETV was performed as an emergency operation. The origin of hydrocephalus was aqueductal stenosis in 12 cases and aqueductal compression by a tumor in two cases. Three patients suffered from a fourth ventricle outlet syndrome, and in two patients an additional malresorptive component was suspected. Thirteen patients underwent ETV with shunt removal and insertion of an external drain in one session. The drain served as a safety measure; it could be opened if raised intracranial pressure or ventricular dilation was observed on postoperative imaging studies. In the other four patients the shunt was initially ligated and then removed during a second operation. Fourteen patients (82%) have remained shunt free. The other three patients, including the two with an additional malresorptive component, needed shunt reimplantation 3 days, 2 weeks, or 7 months after ETV. Conclusions. Use of ETV is safe and effective for the treatment for shunt dysfunction in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus.

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