Treatment of post-thalamic hemorrhage hydrocephalus: ventriculoperitoneal shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy? A retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for the treatment of hydrocephalus after thalamic hemorrhage (TH) where external ventricular drainage (EVD) could not be removed after hematoma absorption, and to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of hydrocephalus after TH. METHODS: The clinical data of patients with hydrocephalus after TH whose EVD could not be removed after hematoma absorption were retrospectively analyzed. According to the patients' surgical methods, the patients were divided into the VPS group and ETV group. The operative time, length of hospital stay, complications, and reoperation rates of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative bleeding, length of hospital stay between the two groups. The EVD tubes were successfully removed in all patients after surgery. There were 4 (9.5%) complications in the ETV group and 3 (6.7%) complications in the VPS group, with no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups. During the 1-year follow-up, 7 patients (16.7%) in the ETV group and 3 patients (6.7%) in the VPS group required reoperation. In the subgroup analysis of TH combined with fourth ventricular hemorrhage, 6 patients (14.3%) in the ETV group and 1 patient (2.2%) in the VPS group required reoperation, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: ETV had good efficacy in treating hydrocephalus caused by TH and TH that broke into the lateral ventricle and the third ventricle. However, if hydrocephalus was caused by TH with the fourth ventricular hematoma, VPS was a better surgical method because the recurrence rate of hydrocephalus in ETV was higher than that in VPS. Therefore, the choice of surgical method should be based on the patient's clinical features and hematoma location.

Endoscopic approaches to the posterior wall of the third ventricle: An anatomical comparison.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery of lesions in the posterior wall of the third ventricle requires great expertise due to its deep location and important surrounding structures. This region has been traditionally reached through a supracerebellar infratentorial approach, but new options have emerged, especially with the development of neuroendoscopy. METHODS: One formalin-fixed cadaver human head was dissected. Five different endoscopic approaches were performed: interhemispheric transcallosal transchoroidal, frontal transforaminal transchoroidal, supraorbital subfrontal translamina terminalis, expanded endonasal, and supracerebellar infratentorial. An anatomical description of the different approaches was conducted and quantitative measurements (craniocaudal and latero-lateral distances) were taken using the StealthStation ® workstation after performing a CT scan of the specimen. RESULTS: The interhemispheric transcallosal transchoroidal, frontal transforaminal transchoroidal, and supraorbital subfrontal translamina terminalis approaches provided great view of all the structures of the posterior wall of the third ventricle. Maximum craniocaudal distance was obtained through the supraorbital subfrontal translamina terminalis approach (10.6 mm), with great difference from the expanded endonasal approach (5.2 mm). The widest latero-lateral distance from inside the third ventricle was achieved through the interhemispheric transcallosal transchoroidal approach (4.6 mm), similar to the expanded endonasal (4.1 mm), and differing from the supraorbital subfrontal translamina terminalis (2.4 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic approaches provided an adequate alternative to more traditional microsurgical approaches to the posterior wall of the third ventricle, with a great view of all its structures. The selection of the approach must be taken under consideration in each case.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for Chiari 1 malformation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysis and systematic review. To understand the role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for the treatment of concurrent Chiari Malformation Type I (CMI) and hydrocephalus in adults. A literature search on PubMed and Medline with MeSH terms relating to ETV and CMI identified 155 articles between 1988 and 2024. After excluding pediatric cases and other CNS pathologies with associated CMI, 11 articles met inclusion criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was identified to assess heterogeneity and risk of bias among the 11 studies analyzed in this systematic-review and meta-analyses compared pre- and post-operative outcomes to examine the use of ETV as a treatment modality for CMI with hydrocephalus. From the 11 included studies, 35 cases of concurrent CMI and hydrocephalus treated with ETV were identified. ETV provided a pooled rate of symptom resolution or improvement of 66%. Additionally, meta-analysis discovered the following pooled rates: a reduction of tonsillar descent in 94% of patients, decreased ventriculomegaly in 94%, and ETV patency in 99%. Syringomyelia, nausea, papilledema and cerebellar dysfunction did not have sufficient numbers for meaningful statistical analyses. However, in each of these categories, more than 85% of the symptoms or radiographic findings improved. This review summarizes the safety and efficacy of ETV for the concurrent management of acquired CMI with hydrocephalus. Specifically, ETV improves radiological outcomes of both ventriculomegaly and tonsillar descent as well as the most prevalent neurological symptom, headaches.

Comparing motor development in children with hydrocephalus after treatment with ventriculoperitoneal shunt and endoscopic third ventriculostomy: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion (VPSI) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) are the major procedures for treating pediatric hydrocephalus. However, studies comparing motor development following the two treatments are limited. Objective: We aimed to determine motor development outcomes in children with hydrocephalus up to 2 years of age after undergoing VPSI or ETV, to identify which surgical approach yields better motor outcomes and may be more effective for Malawian children. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study where we recruited two groups of participants: one group consisted of children with hydrocephalus treated with VP shunt whilst the other group were treated with ETV, at least 6 months prior to this study. Participants were identified from the hospital records and were called to come for neurodevelopmental assessment using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool (MDAT). Results: A total 152 children treated for hydrocephalus within an 18-month period met the inclusion criteria. Upon follow up and tracing, we recruited 25 children who had been treated: 12 had VPSI and 13 had ETV. MDAT revealed delays in both assessed motor domains: 19 out of the 25 children had delayed gross motor whilst 16 of 25 had delayed fine motor development. There was no significant difference between the shunted and the ETV groups. Conclusion: Children with hydrocephalus demonstrate delays in motor development six to 18 months after treatment with either VPSI or ETV. This may necessitate early and prolonged intensive rehabilitation to restore motor function after surgery. Long-term follow-up studies with bigger sample sizes are required to detect the effect of the two treatment approaches.

Trends in the corpus of literature on endoscopic third ventriculostomy: a bibliometric analysis spanning 3 decades.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to report the results of a bibliometric analysis on the modern corpus of literature pertaining to endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). Prior bibliometrics studies on ETV have focused on highly cited articles, but an advanced bibliometric analysis has not yet been conducted. METHODS: The authors queried the Web of Science (WoS) for (ALL = (endoscopic third ventriculostomy)) OR (ALL = (ETV) AND ALL = (neurosurgery)). Articles or reviews published in English were included. Articles, along with their metadata, were exported. Statistical, bibliometric, and network analyses were performed using the Bibliometrix R package and various Python packages. Reference publication year spectroscopy (RPYS), a method that analyzes the frequency with which references are cited in terms of these references' publication years, was employed to explore the historical roots of the field. RESULTS: Between 1994 and 2023, 1663 documents were identified (1382 articles) from 5457 authors. The mean annual growth rate of publications was 4.9%. International coauthorship increased 4-fold over this time period and was noted for 18.95% of published studies from 2011 to 2023. We observed that Child's Nervous System published the most articles, Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS) articles were cited most frequently, and JNS: Pediatrics articles had the highest impact. Female coauthorship increased from < 1% of published studies before 2000 to 19% by 2022, with an increase in female first authorship from 2% in 2005 to 22% in 2022 and at least 1 female coauthor rising from 3% in 2000 to 68% in 2022. Likewise, minority authorship has increased, as in the early ETV literature > 75% of authors were White while currently only 43% are White. The authors of this study also identified the most prolific authors on the subject. Early in the publication record, etiological and technical terms such as "aqueductal stenosis" and "technical note" predominated. More recently, "complications," "failure," "success," "neuroendoscopy," and "choroid plexus cauterization" were prominent. Utilizing RPYS, the authors identified 32 articles that comprise the foundational articles on ETV, published between 1966 and 2010. CONCLUSIONS: Interest in ETV increased in the 1990s with the advent of advanced endoscopic technologies-particularly digital video. The focus of research has shifted from etiology to outcomes, complication management, and technical mastery.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point.

Pineal neoplasms have a significant impact on children although they are relatively uncommon. They account for approximately 3-11% of all childhood brain tumors, which is considerably higher than the <1% seen in adult brain tumors. These tumors can be divided into three main categories: germ cell tumors, parenchymal pineal tumors, and tumors arising from related anatomical structures. Obtaining an accurate and minimally invasive tissue diagnosis is crucial for selecting the most appropriate treatment regimen for patients with pineal gland tumors. This is due to the diverse treatment options available and the potential risks associated with complete resection. In cases where patients present with acute obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a pineal gland tumor, immediate treatment of the hydrocephalus is necessary. The urgency stems from the potential complications of hydrocephalus, including increased intracranial pressure and neurological deficits. To address these challenges, a minimally invasive endoscopic approach provides a valuable opportunity. This technique allows clinicians to promptly relieve hydrocephalus and obtain a histological diagnosis simultaneously. This dual benefit enables a more comprehensive understanding of the tumor and assists in determining the most effective treatment strategy for the patient.

Good clinical outcomes and the necessity of CSF drainage in patients undergoing simultaneous biopsy and endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the region of pineal tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Due to their delicate and deep-seated location, tumors in the pineal region of the brain pose exceptional challenges in neurosurgical management. Highly precise procedures have become crucial to address these complexities, such as the simultaneous performance of biopsy and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). Our aim was to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of simultaneous biopsy and ETV for treating patients with pineal region tumors. METHODS: Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for English studies from January 2000 to February 2024, following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies encompassed a minimum of four patients and examined at least one of the following outcomes: good clinical outcomes and the necessity of shunt placement. Single proportion analysis with 95% confidence intervals was conducted under a random-effects model, employing the I2 statistic to assess heterogeneity. Additionally, publication bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool. RESULTS: After a meticulous selection process, eighteen studies involving 390 patients were included in the analysis. Overall, good clinical outcomes were observed in 131 out of 147 patients, representing a rate of 92 % (95 % CI: 84 % to 100 %, I2 = 62 %) through random effects analysis. Subgroup analysis showed that children exhibited a notably high rate of good clinical outcomes, reaching 100 % (95 % CI: 96 % to 100 %, I2 = 0 %). Regarding the need for shunt placement, out of the 356 patients assessed, only 39 required shunt placement, yielding a rate of 8 % (95 % CI: 4 % to 12 %, I2 = 63 %). Further sub-analyses indicated shunt requirement rates of 12 % for children and 3 % for adults. Specifically focusing on adults, data from 46 patients who underwent biopsy revealed a success rate of 84 % (95 % CI: 62 % to 100 %, I2 = 81 %). Remarkably, no major complications were reported among adults, resulting in a rate of 0 % (95 % CI: 0 % to 6 %, I2 = 0 %). Additionally, low rates of mortality related to the procedure were observed in adults, with two deaths recorded among the 46 patients analyzed, resulting in a mortality rate of 1 % (95 % CI: 0 % to 7 %, I2 = 0 %). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of performing simultaneous biopsy and ETV for patients with pineal region tumors. We meticulously examined clinical aspects and patient outcomes, including good clinical outcomes, the requirement for shunt placement after ETV, biopsy success rates, mortality, and complications.

Endoscopic Supraorbital Translaminar Approach.

Surgical selection for third ventricle tumors demands meticulous planning, given the complex anatomic milieu. Traditional open microsurgical approaches may be limited in their access to certain tumors, prompting the exploration of alternative techniques. The endoscopic supraorbital translaminar approach (ESOTLA) has emerged as a promising alternative for managing these tumors. By combining a minimally invasive keyhole approach with endoscopic visualization, the ESOTLA provides enhanced illumination and a wider angle of view within the third ventricle. This unique advantage allows for improved access to retrochiasmatic tumors and reduces the need for frontal lobe and optic chiasm retraction required of microscopic techniques, decreasing the risk of neurocognitive and visual deficits. Complications related to the ESOTLA are rare and primarily pertain to cosmetic issues and potential compromise of the hypothalamus or optic apparatus, which can be minimized through careful subarachnoid dissection. This chapter offers a comprehensive description of the technical aspects of the ESOTLA, providing insights into its application, advantages, and potential limitations. Additionally, a case description highlights the successful surgical extirpation of an intraventricular papillary craniopharyngioma via the ESOTLA followed by targeted therapy. To better illustrate the stepwise dissection through this novel approach, a series of cadaveric and intraoperative photographs are included.

Endoscopic Bimanual Resection of Recurrent Colloid Cyst.

Colloid cysts are nonneoplastic epithelial lesions arising from the roof of the third ventricle near the foramen of Monro. They comprise approximately 0.5% to 2% of all brain lesions.1-3 Surgical resection is the definitive treatment when indicated. The microsurgical approach is generally considered the "gold standard," but the endoscopic approach has been gaining popularity.4-6 The choice is usually based on a surgeon's preference and key image findings such as the presence of hydrocephalus. The advantage of an endoscopic approach is shorter operative time, faster recovery, and a more anterolateral approach to avoid manipulation on the fornix. The major drawback of the endoscopic approach was previously reported as a higher recurrence rate due to incomplete removal of the cyst capsule. However, it has been shown that the rate of capsule excision may be similar to that of microsurgery, ranging from 80 to 100%.7-14 The authors demonstrate an endoscopic resection of a recurrent colloid cyst with bimanual technique through parallel channels in a ventriculoscope. Video 1 highlights the critical steps involved in preserving both vascular and neural structures during the procedure.

Treatment of hydrocephalus following fetal repair of myelomeningocele: comparing endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization to ventricular shunting.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare clinical and craniometric outcomes of patients treated for hydrocephalus following fetal myelomeningocele repair (fMMR) via a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) or endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization (ETV/CPC). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of children who were treated for hydrocephalus following fMMR via VPS or ETV with or without CPC (ETV ± CPC) at Vanderbilt between 2012 and 2021. The primary outcomes were treatment failure and time to failure (TTF). Secondary outcomes included changes in hydrocephalus metrics (fronto-occipital horn ratio [FOHR] and head circumference measurements) and healthcare resource utilization (number of hospital admissions, clinic visits, and neuroimaging findings). RESULTS: Among 88 patients who underwent fMMR, 37 (42%) required permanent CSF diversion, of whom 19 received treatment at the authors' institution. Twelve patients underwent ETV ± CPC, and 7 underwent VPS placement at a median corrected age of 23 weeks versus 1 week (p = 0.002). The preoperative median head circumference percentiles and z-scores for patients in the ETV ± CPC cohort were similar to those of the VPS cohort (percentiles: 98.5 vs 94.0, p = 0.064; z-scores: 2.32 vs 1.60, p = 0.111). There was no difference in preoperative median FOHR measurements between the two cohorts (0.57 vs 0.59, p = 0.53). At 6 months postoperatively, the median head circumference percentile and z-score for the ETV ± CPC cohort remained similar between the two cohorts (percentiles: 98.0 vs 67.5, p = 0.315; z-scores: 2.12 vs 0.52, p = 0.307). There was no difference in the change in FOHR (-0.06 vs -0.09, p = 0.37) and change in head circumference percentile (-1.33 vs -28.6, p = 0.058) between the cohorts 6 months after the index CSF diversion procedure. One patient in the ETV ± CPC cohort experienced a seizure and a nonoperative subdural hemorrhage postoperatively; no other complications were observed. Six of the 7 patients in the VPS cohort required shunt revision with a median TTF of 9.8 months while 2 of the 12 ETV ± CPC patients required a repeat ETV at a median of 17.5 months (86% vs 17%, p = 0.013). The median number of hydrocephalus-related hospital readmissions was significantly lower in the ETV ± CPC cohort than in the VPS cohort (0 vs 1, p = 0.006). The ETV ± CPC cohort had fewer CT scans (0 vs 2, p = 0.004) and radiographs (0 vs 2, p < 0.001) than the VPS cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In a single-center cohort, hydrocephalic fMMR patients treated via ETV ± CPC remained shunt free, while a majority of patients receiving an upfront shunt required revision. This is the first study comparing ETV ± CPC with VPS in the fMMR hydrocephalus population. While larger, multicenter studies are needed, these results suggest that ETV/CPC may be a preferred means of CSF diversion following fMMR.

Long-Term Success of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in the Pediatric Population with Aqueductal Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term success rate of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the treatment of hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis in the pediatric population. METHODS: Between January 2007 and June 2023, a total of 82 children underwent ETV surgery for hydrocephalus and met the inclusion criteria for our study. The children's medical records were reviewed, and cases requiring additional surgery in the months and years following surgery for ventriculostomy failure were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age was 5.35 years. Successful ETV was observed in 74 children with a successful ETV rate of 90%. The median follow-up was 6.75 years (2 months to 15.5 years). Eight children (10%) underwent additional surgery. In 7 cases, additional surgery was performed within 3 months, while in the remaining case; a delayed failure was noted (more than 3 years later). At 6 months and 3 years, the cumulative proportion of children with revision-free survival was 91%, declining slightly to 89% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: ETV is highly effective in treating hydrocephalus in pediatric patients with aqueductal stenosis, with a 91% success rate at 6 months and 3 years. Although the success rate drops slightly to 89% at 5 years, it still demonstrates durability. Late failures are usually characterized by symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. While patients with a confirmed successful ETV at 6 months may be considered for reduced follow-up frequency, it is critical to educate them about the symptoms of intracranial hypertension and the importance of seeking medical attention promptly if such symptoms occur.

The Predictive Role of Early Postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a treatment option for obstructive hydrocephalus; reported success rates vary. We investigated immediate postoperative magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the role of imaging parameters associated with outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed on patients undergoing initial ETV between 2005 and 2019. Patients with preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging with follow-up>one year were included. The following were noted: changes in subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid, third ventricle diameter, bowing of the third ventricle floor, and postoperative flow void. Kaplan-Meier survival methods were used to assess ETV success and univariable and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models were fitted to assess factors contributing to ETV success. RESULTS: Fifty-eight subjects were included. Nineteen (32.8%) experienced failure within one year; individually, no single imaging parameter predicted success. However, all cases of failure had no identifiable flow void. Any postoperative radiological change was not consistently associated with decreased odds of failure. Obstructive hydrocephalus treated with ETV demonstrated significantly better ETV success than patients treated with nonobstructive hydrocephalus. Interobserver reliability was moderate for 2 of the radiological variables and substantial for 1 of the radiological variables. CONCLUSIONS: Individually, none of the qualitative radiologic parameters measured in our study predicted ETV success. Absence of a flow void predicted ETV failure, but additional studies are needed to determine its true negative predictive value. Inability to clarify which specific parameter predicts success reflects the limited role of immediate postoperative imaging in influencing clinical management.

Prospects of CSF shunt independence among chronically shunted patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: CSF shunt placement for hydrocephalus and other etiologies has arguably been the most life-saving intervention in pediatric neurosurgery in the past 6 decades. Yet, chronic shunting remains a source of morbidity for patients of all ages. Neuroendoscopic surgery has made shunt independence possible for newly diagnosed hydrocephalic patients. In this study, we examine the prospects of shunt independence with or without endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in chronically shunted patients. METHODS: After IRB approval, a retrospective analysis was completed on patients whose shunt was ligated or removed to achieve shunt independence, with or without ETV. Clinical and imaging data were collected. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients with CSF shunts had their shunt either ligated or removed, 57 of whom had a concomitant ETV. Original reasons for shunting included: congenital hydrocephalus 20 (23%), post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) of prematurity 14 (16%), aqueductal stenosis 10 (11%), intracranial cyst 8 (9%), tumor 8 (9%), infantile subdural hematomas 8 (9%), myelomeningocele 7 (8%), post-traumatic hydrocephalus 7 (8%) and post-infectious hydrocephalus 6 (7%). The decision to perform a simultaneous ETV was made based on etiology. Forty-nine (56%) patients became shunt independent. The success rate was 46% in the ETV group and 73% in the no ETV group. Using multivariate analysis and Cox Proportional Hazards models, age > 4 months at shunt placement (p = 0.032), no shunt revisions (p = 0.01), select etiologies (p = 0.043), and ETVSS > 70 (in the ETV group) (p = 0.017), were protective factors for shunt independence. CONCLUSION: Considering the long-term complications of shunting, achieving shunt independence may provide hope for improved quality of life. While this study is underpowered, it provides pilot data identifying factors that predict shunt independence in chronically shunted patients, namely age, absence of prior shunt revision, etiology, and in the ETV group, the ETVSS.

Comparison of endoscopic third ventriculostomy versus cerebrospinal fluid shunt procedures for the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus in Taiwan.

PURPOSE: Pediatric hydrocephalus is the most common cause of surgically treatable neurological disease in children. Controversies exist whether endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt placement is the most appropriate treatment for pediatric hydrocephalus. This study aimed to compare the risk of re-operation and death between the two procedures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective population-based cohort study and included patients younger than 20-years-old who underwent CSF shunt or ETV for hydrocephalus from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. RESULTS: A total of 3,555 pediatric patients from 2004 to 2017 were selected, including 2,340 (65.8%) patients that received CSF shunt placement and 1215 (34.2%) patients that underwent ETV. The incidence of all-cause death was 3.31 per 100 person-year for CSF shunt group and 2.52 per 100 person-year for ETV group, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.66-0.94, p = 0.009). The cumulative incidence competing risk for reoperation was 31.2% for the CSF shunt group and 26.4% for the ETV group, with an adjusted subdistribution HR of 0.82 (95% CI = 0.70-0.96, p = 0.015). Subgroup analysis showed that ETV was beneficial for hydrocephalus coexisting with brain or spinal tumor, central nervous system infection, and intracranial hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Our data indicates ETV is a better operative procedure for pediatric hydrocephalus when advanced surgical techniques and instruments are available.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement following endoscopic third ventriculostomy failure in the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) failure on subsequent risk of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify pediatric patients receiving ETV followed by a VPS at Oklahoma Children's Hospital between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. A control group of patients receiving a VPS alone was also gathered. Complication and shunt failure rates were compared between the 2 groups at 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 222 patients were included in this study. The VPS placement after ETV failure (VPSEF) group included 21 patients; 53% were male and 47% were female, with a mean age of 2.2 years and standard deviation of 4.3 years. The etiology of hydrocephalus was chiefly intraventricular hemorrhage (43%) and neural tube defects (19%). At 12 months after VPS placement, the complication rate was 24%, predominantly including infection (19%) or CSF leakage (10%). The VPS-only (VPSO) group included 201 patients; 51% were male and 49% were female, with a mean age of 4.2 years and standard deviation of 6.5 years. The etiology of hydrocephalus was chiefly intraventricular hemorrhage (26%) and neural tube defects (30%). At 12 months postoperatively, the complication rate was 10%, predominantly including infection (6%) or catheter-associated hemorrhage (3%). The difference in complication rates between the VPSEF and VPSO groups was not significant at 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.07); however, on subgroup analysis there was a significantly higher rate of CSF leakage at 12 months in the VPSEF group compared to the VPSO group (p = 0.0371). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in overall complication rates for the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus by VPS following failed ETV compared to VPS placement alone, yet prior ETV may predispose patients to a higher rate of CSF leaks within 12 months of VPS placement. Further study is indicated to determine whether a prior ETV procedure predisposes patients to a higher complication rate on VPS placement.

Endovascular balloon usage in endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus during a national shortage: case series and technical note.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a well-established surgical technique for treating hydrocephalus. Many providers have transitioned to utilizing the specialized Neuroballoon for the stoma dilation in ETV; however, these devices are intermittently unavailable during supply chain shortages. We present the experience of employing cardiac angioplasty and neurovascular balloons as substitutes for the Neuroballoon in 3 patients. The scepter balloon (Microvention), priced at $1800 compared to the standard $300 Neuroballoon (Integra), proved effective, but its pliability presented technical challenges. The substantial cost differential compared to a Neuroballoon ($300) raises economic considerations. The Cardiac TREK balloon (Abbott) was similarly effective, while also being easier to manage endoscopically and cheaper at $158. These experiences support the viability of non-neuroendoscopic specialized balloons as alternatives for ETV dilation of the floor of tuber cinereum.

Third Ventricular Colloid Cyst, New Surgical Classification.

BACKGROUND: This research discusses colloid cyst surgical concerns, with an emphasis on the value of a novel surgical classification based on anatomical sites. In the study, 59 patients who underwent surgical intervention between 2009 and 2022 and were diagnosed with colloid cysts via computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging participated. METHODS: There were more male cases than female ones (57.6%). The majority of patients presented with headache (79%), followed by abnormal gait (12%), visual blurring (5%), and seizures (4%). RESULTS: In this study, we present a new surgical classification based on anatomical locations, distinguishing 4 types: open Monro type (50.84%), closed Monro type (23.72%), retroforaminal type (13.55%), and interforniceal type (11.86%). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the surgical classification that has been suggested provides significant insights into the varied anatomical sites where colloid cysts might be found. Microneurosurgeons significantly need to be oriented about the possible sites of colloid cysts through this classification to achieve complete and curative resection and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.