Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in patients with communicating hydrocephalus

Objective To explore the mechanism and indication of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in patients with communicating hydrocephalus.Methods The clinical date of 18 cases of communicating hydrocephalus treated with ETV were analyzed retrospectively.Results 11 patients' MRI showed abnormal enlargement of the fourth ventricle and outward expansion of the cerebral aqueduct outflow like a horn,and among these patients 9 patients obtained satisfying postoperative results.However,the other 7 patients without this imageology character required shunt insertion.Conclusions Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is an effective method for the treatment of communicating hydrocephalus,and the mechanism of proximal extraventricular intracisternal cerebrospinal fluid pathway obstruction could explain.Abnormal enlargement of the fourth ventricle and outward expansion of the cerebral aqueduct outflow like a horn in MRI may be one of the most important indication of ETV in patients with communicating hydrocephalus. Key words: Endoscopes; Hydrocephalus; Third ventricle