Purely Endoscopic Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach to the Pineal Region in Pediatric Population.

Pineal lesions represent less than 1% of all brain tumors (Villani et al., Clin Neurol Neurosurg 109:1-6, 2007). The abysmal location and critical neurovascular structures remain a surgical challenge, despite the advent of microneurosurgery. The classical wide surgical suboccipital craniotomy with the supracerebellar infratentorial approach, described by Sir Victor Horsley (Victor, Proc R Soc Med 3:77-78, 1910), is infamous for its considerable surgical morbidity and mortality. This was later upgraded microneurosurgically by Stein to improve surgical outcomes (Stein, J Neurosurg 35:197-202, 1971).Ruge et al. reported the first purely endoscopic fenestration of quadrigeminal arachnoid cysts via this corridor (Ruge et al., Neurosurgery 38:830-7, 1996). A cadaver-based anatomical study by Cardia et al. demonstrated the viability for endoscope-assisted techniques (Cardia et al., J Neurosurg 2006;104(6 Suppl):409-14). However, the first purely endoscopic supracerebellar infratentorial (eSCIT) approach to a pineal cyst was performed in 2008 by Gore et al. (Gore PA et al., Neurosurgery 62:108-9, 2008).Unlike transventricular endoscopy, eSCIT approach poses no mechanical risk to the fornices and can be utilized irrespective of ventricular size. More vascular control and resultant reduction in uncontrolled hemorrhage improve the feasibility of attaining complete resection, especially around corners (Zaidi et al,, World Neurosurg 84, 2015). Gravity-dependent positioning and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion aid cerebellar relaxation, creating the ideal anatomical pathway. Also, angle of the straight sinus, tentorium, and tectal adherence can often influence the choice of approach; thus direct endoscopic visualization not only counteracts access to the engorged Galenic complex but also encourages sharp dissection of the arachnoid (Cardia et al., J Neurosurg 104:409-14, 2006). These tactics help provide excellent illumination with magnification, making it less fatiguing for the surgeon (Broggi et al., Neurosurgery 67:159-65, 2010).The purely endoscopic approach thwarts the dreaded risk of air embolisms, via simple copious irrigation from a small burr hole (Shahinian and Ra, J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 74:114-7, 2013). The tiny opening and closure are rapid to create, and the smaller wound decreases postoperative pain and morbidity. Recent literature supports its numerous advantages and favorable outcomes, making it a tough contender to traditional open methods.

A rare case of intralesional haemorrhage of a benign aqueductal cyst after CSF diversion treatment. A case report and review of literature.

Benign cysts within the pure aqueductal region are a rare entity. Their critical location within the ventricular system presents a risk of potentially catastrophic outcomes. We present a case of a 68-year-old female who was transferred to our unit with an acute obstructive triventricular hydrocephalus caused by a benign cyst within the cerebral aqueduct. She became unconscious and had an urgent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). Post-operatively, the patient was recovering well but then developed a sudden onset severe headache accompanied by vomiting. Imaging revealed intracystic haemorrhage with expansion of lesion but there was no obstructive hydrocephalus due to CSF diversion performed 9 d prior. She was treated conservatively and continued to improve.

Longstanding overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA) with patent aqueduct: surgical outcome and etiopathogenesis of a possibly distinct form of chronic hydrocephalus.

PURPOSE: Longstanding overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA) represents a form of chronic adulthood hydrocephalus with symptomatic manifestation in late adulthood. Based on the patency of the aqueduct, two different subcohorts of LOVA can be distinguished. Surgical treatments of this condition are also debated. Therefore, we analyzed preoperative characteristics and clinical outcome after different surgical treatments in a subgroup of LOVA patients with a patent aqueduct. METHODS: Eighteen LOVA patients with a patent aqueduct consecutively treated at our institution between July 2013 and December 2019 were analyzed for this study. Median age was 70 years. Preoperative radiological and clinical features, surgical procedures (ventriculo-peritoneal shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy), and outcomes were collected. Successful outcome was qualitatively defined as an improvement or a halt of progression of the presenting symptoms at follow-up, and quantitatively by changes in mRS and iNPHGS scales. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent an ETV as a primary treatment, while 6 underwent VPS. A total of 22.2% of them were lost to follow-up. Median follow-up time was 38 months. Six patients (66.7%) in the ETV cohort achieved a successful outcome after treatment, with a complication rate of 11.1%. Two patients underwent rescue VPS after ETV failure with a good outcome. Four patients (100%) underwent primary VPS and achieved a satisfactory outcome after treatment, with a reported complications rate of 25%. CONCLUSION: LOVA with patent aqueduct represents, in our opinion, a distinct clinical form of chronic hydrocephalus. For this subgroup, as well as for other forms of LOVA, ETV remains an acceptable first-line treatment option considering the good results, and the low complication rate, obtained in those patients and the hypothesis that hydrocephalus is due to an "intracisternal" obstruction.

Megalencephaly-capillary malformation syndrome and associated hydrocephalus: treatment options and revision of the literature.

PURPOSE: We describe our series of 4 patients with megalencephaly-capillary malformation syndrome (MCAP) and review the literature in order to assess the optimal treatment for the associated hydrocephalus. METHODS: We review our institutional series of hydrocephalus associated with MCAP and review the literature, analyzing the causes that could originate the hydrocephalus and the different types of treatments proposed for them. RESULTS: Of our patients treated with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, one suffered a surgical revision of the shunt and died due to a cranial trauma unrelated to her syndrome or the previous shunt surgery, and the other did not undergo surgical revisions until the end of her follow-up. Our patients treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) have improved their symptomatology and have not suffered of any complications related to the hydrocephalus after the ETV surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We update the treatment of MCAP-associated hydrocephalus and propose ETV as a valid treatment, as it seems a safe procedure with a low rate of complications.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy versus ventriculoperitoneal shunt in pediatric and adult population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Treatment options for hydrocephalus include endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). Some ambiguity remains regarding indications, safety, and efficacy for these procedures in different clinical scenarios. The objective of the present study was to pool the available evidence to compare outcomes among patients with hydrocephalus undergoing ETV versus VPS. A systematic search of the literature was conducted via PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library through 11/29/2018 to identify studies evaluating failure and complication rates, following ETV or VPS. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using random effects. Heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochrane Q test and the I2 value. Heterogeneity sources were explored through subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Twenty-three studies (five randomized control trials (RCTs) and 18 observational studies) were meta-analyzed. Comparing ETV to VPS, failure rate was not statistically significantly different with a pooled relative risk (RR) of 1.48, 95%CI (0.85, 2.59) for RCTs and 1.17 (0.89, 1.53) for cohort studies; P-interaction: 0.44. Complication rates were not statistically significantly different between ETV and VPS in RCTs (RR: 1.34, 95%CI: 0.50, 3.59) but were statistically significant for prospective cohort studies (RR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.30, 0.78); P-interaction: 0.07. Length of hospital stay was no different, when comparing ETV and VPS. These results remained unchanged when stratifying by intervention type and when regressing on age when possible. No significant differences in failure rate were observed between ETV and VPS. ETV was found to have lower complication rates than VPS in prospective cohort studies but not in RCTs. Further research is needed to identify the specific patient populations who may be better suited for one intervention versus another.

Neurosurgery guidelines for the care of people with spina bifida.

Myelomeningocele (MMC) arises from an early neural developmental anomaly and results in a variety of structural abnormalities and associated functional neurologic deficits. As such, neurologic issues are central to virtually all clinical problems. Neurosurgical intervention strives to correct or improve these defects and prevent secondary complications. These interventions include closure of the open myelomeningocele and management (across the life span) of hydrocephalus, the Chiari II malformation (C2M) and tethered spinal cord (TSC). The development of pre-natal closure techniques and reports of improved outcome with in-utero closure (IUMC) have revolutionized the neurosurgical approach to myelomeningocele. Controversies remain surrounding patient selection, maternal risks, technique of IUMC (endoscopic vs. open) and long-term outcomes. However, real gains include reduced rates of hydrocephalus, modestly improved motor capabilities and reduction in C2M morbidity. For many decades, the cornerstone of treatment of hydrocephalus for many decades has been the placement and support of ventricular shunts. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with or without choroid plexus coagulation (ETV/CPC) is an appealing alternate strategy that avoids the morbidity and complications associated with shunts. The exact criteria for ETV-CPC candidacy and best metrics for outcome analysis remain active areas of debate and controversy. Similarly, neurosurgical management C2M, has centered upon the indications and clinical thresholds for performing posterior fossa surgical decompression. Tethered spinal cord management incorporates the diagnosis and surgical management of adhesions formed at the initial closure site, the consequent longitudinal traction related stress on the cord and the resulting neurologic signs and symptoms.

Neuroendoscopy for post-infective hydrocephalus in children.

The treatment of hydrocephalus has changed in recent years with better imaging and introduction of endoscopic procedures as well as enhanced shunts. Indications of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) are now more refined with better quantification of outcome. This article reviews the current state of neuroendoscopy for infective hydrocephalus in children. The roles of third ventriculostomy as a primary procedure or after shunt malfunction, endoscopic interventions in multiloculated hydrocephalus and introduction of intraventricular lavage to salvage severely infected children are evaluated.

Efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in old aged patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a chronic disorder caused by interrupted CSF absorption or flow. Generally, shunt placement is first option for NPH treatment. Due to complications of ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt placement, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) can be considered as an alternative treatment option. Here we report the efficacy of ETV especially in old aged patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus. Total 21 old aged patients with communicating hydrocephalus with opening pressure, measured via lumbar puncture, less than 20cm H2O underwent ETV. 15 patients had primary/idiopathic NPH and 6 patients had secondary NPH. All patients were studied with a MRI to observe the flow void at aqueduct and the fourth ventricle outflow. And all of them underwent ETV. In a group with peak velocity was higher than 5cm/s, nine patients (75%) were evaluated was 'favorable' and three of them (25%) was scored 'poor'. In another group with peak velocity less than 5cm/s, three of them were scored 'poor' and two of them were scored 'stable'. None of them was evaluated as 'favorable'. We also evaluated the outcomes according to etiology: 12 patients (80% of the patients with primary NPH) were evaluated with 'favorable' after ETV treatment. Two patients (13.3%) were as 'stable'. And one patient was as 'poor' evaluated. Five patients (83.3%) among patients with secondary NPH were as 'poor' evaluated and one of them was stable and no patient was as 'favorable' evaluated. 4 patients, which was as 'poor' evaluated in the group with the secondary NPH, underwent additional VP shunt implantation. Overall, the outcomes of the group with the idiopathic NPH after ETV treatment were more favorable than of the group with the secondary NPH. Our study suggest that ETV can be effective for selected elderly patients with primary/idiopathic NPH, when they satisfy criteria including positive aqueduct flow void on T2 Sagittal MRI and the aqueductal peak velocity, which is greater than 5cm/s on cine MRI.

Compare the safety and efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in infants and children with hydrocephalus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement are two surgical options used for treatment of non-communicating hydrocephalus. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency and safety of these techniques in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An extensive literature review regarding the clinical outcome, safety, and efficiency of ETV and shunting in treatment of hydrocephalus was conducted in Medline, PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases up to November 27th, 2015. Patient demographics, ETV and shunting success and failure rates were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 7 two-arm studies were included for quantitative analysis and 25 single-arm studies were included for systematic review. The two-arm studies recruited a total of 6995 patients: 1046 in the ETV group and 5949 in the shunt group. The pooled results showed that the 1 year success rate of ETV and shunt-placement procedure were similar (pooled RR = 0.870, 95% CI = 0.680 to 1.112, P = 0.266). The failure rate in the ETV treatment group was 0.9 times higher than in the shunt group; however, the results did not reach statistical significance (pooled RR = 0.893, 95% CI = 0.576 to 1.383, P = 0.611). CONCLUSIONS: Both ETV and shunts are associated with similar 1 year success and failure rates. Therefore, there are no current indications to recommend one mode of treatment over the other. Future studies designed to assess the effectiveness of ETV and shunt procedures depending on patient's age and etiology are warranted.

Robot-assisted endoscopic third ventriculostomy: institutional experience in 9 patients.

OBJECTIVE The endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an established and effective treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus. In its most common application, surgeons plan their entry point and the endoscope trajectory for the procedure based on anatomical landmarks, then control the endoscope freehand. Recent studies report an incidence of neural injuries as high as 16.6% of all ETVs performed in North America. The authors have introduced the ROSA system to their ETV procedure to stereotactically optimize endoscope trajectories, to reduce risk of traction on neural structures by the endoscope, and to provide a stable mechanical holder of the endoscope. Here, they present their series in which the ROSA system was used for ETVs. METHODS At the authors' institution, they performed ETVs with the ROSA system in 9 consecutive patients within an 8-month period. Patients had to have a favorable expected response to ETV (ETV Success Score ≥ 70) with no additional endoscopic procedures (e.g., choroid plexus cauterization, septum pellucidum fenestration). The modality of image registration (CT, MRI, surface mapping, or bone fiducials) was dependent on the case. RESULTS Nine pediatric patients with an age range of 1.5 to 16 years, 4 girls and 5 boys, with ETV Success Scores ranging from 70 to 90, underwent successful ETV surgery with the ROSA system within an 8-month period. Their intracranial pathologies included tectal tumors (n = 3), communicating hydrocephalus from hemorrhage or meningeal disease (n = 2), congenital aqueductal stenosis (n = 1), compressive porencephalic cyst (n = 1), Chiari I malformation (n = 1), and pineal region mass (n = 1). Robotic assistance was limited to the ventricular access in the first 2 procedures, but was used for the entirety of the procedure for the following 7 cases. Four of these cases were combined with another procedural objective (3 stereotactic tectal mass biopsies, 1 Chiari decompression). A learning curve was observed with each subsequent surgery as registration and surgical times became shorter and more efficient. All patients had complete resolution of their preprocedural symptoms. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS The ROSA system provides a stable, precise, and minimally invasive approach to ETVs.

Subdural hematoma after endoscopic third ventriculostomy: Struggling against the Laplace law.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an ideal treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus. Although ETV is a safe procedure, several complications related to this procedure have been reported in the literature. We present a rare case of late onset symptomatic bilateral subdural hematoma after an uneventful ETV that proved particularly difficult to solve. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 61-year-old male patient presented in our neurosurgery department three months after ETV (aqueductal stenosis) with progressive headaches and anomic aphasia. The MRI revealed bilateral chronic subdural hematomas (chSDH). They were treated via a burr hole evacuation, subduroperitoneal and external subdural drains proving to be refractory to the first two strategies. Postoperatively, his headaches improved. At the last follow-up the patient's status remains improved and there is no radiological evidence of significant residual collections. CONCLUSION: This case confirms that chSDH formation is a rare possible complication following ETV even in the presence of a normal early postoperative image. Patients should be followed-up more closely for possible subdural collection formation. In the cases of very long-term hydrocephalus with a thin cerebral mantle, brain elastic properties are likely to be altered. As there is no possibility to close the internal shunt, the stoma, we advocate external subdural drainage to reinflate the brain, in the first intention or at least after an initial failed burr hole evacuation.