Article
Endoscopic ventricular irrigation and treatment of obstruction as a complimentary option in infantile posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (Brain Wash)
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Published: | September 16, 2010 |
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Objective: To present endoscopic techniques used as a complimentary tool in the treatment of infantile posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus
Methods: Three cases of preterm-low-birth weight infants with intraventricular hemorrhage and ventricular distention are presented. In addition to reservoir placement, the treatment included endoscopic ventricular irrigation and ventriculostomy and/or aqueductoplasty in order to treat hydrocephalus and, if possible, avoid the placement of a shunt.
Results: In one patient hydrocephalus was successfully treated by endoscopic ventricular irrigation and third ventriculostomy. No shunt was necessary in this patient. In the second patient an isolated fourth ventricle could be treated by ventricular irrigation and aqueductal stenting. Third ventriculostomy was only temporarily successful. A single ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was necessary. The third patient needed a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt after ventricular irrigation and third ventriculostomy were only temporarily sufficient to treat hydrocephalus. No procedure related complications were observed.
Conclusions: Endoscopic ventricular irrigation and a variety of endoscopic procedures can expand the armamentarium in the treatment of infantile posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. It may be possible to avoid shunt placement in some cases.