Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus during pregnancy.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is an effective procedure for treating obstructive (noncommunicating) hydrocephalus as an alternative to ventricular shunt placement. CASE Five pregnant women undergoing endoscopic third ventriculostomy as treatment for newly diagnosed acute obstructive hydrocephalus (n=2) or in cases of malfunction of a preexisting ventriculoperitoneal shunt (n=3) are presented. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy may be preferred to ventricular shunt placement as the initial mode of treatment for pregnant patients with newly diagnosed obstructive hydrocephalus as well as in cases of malfunction of a preexisting shunt.