Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy is a treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition of increasing cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. It is an alternative procedure to shunt surgery for the treatment of hydrocephalus.

• Obstructive hydrocephalus, occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked or obstructed.
• A small hole is made in the skull.
• An endoscope using small camera is guided into the brain through this hole to identify ventricular surface.
• When ventricular surface is identified, a tiny perforation is made in the floor of third ventricle.
• This will create a pathway for CSF and allow it to flow from the blocked ventricles into the cavities in the brain.
• ETV restores the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
• After all the steps are performed, the wound will be closed with thorough care.

The main advantages of ETV are;

• It does not leave or implant any mechanical device inside your brain
• Risk of infection is comparatively less than shunt surgery.
• Usually ETV is not performed in patients below 2 years old as its success rate in infants is less.

At the same time, this surgery may not be effective in all other patients with obstructive hydrocephalus.

Complications of ETV

• Inability of brain to re-absorb CSF
• Hole closure
• Chance of infection, but lesser
• Bleeding inside your brain
• Vision problems
• Weakness down one side of the body

After Surgery

Pain relievers can be used to get comfort

Keep your wound area dry and clean

Re-visit to clinic after a week for removal of dressings and observing progress. You might have to do regular follow-ups as per the suggestions of your doctor.