Endoscopic aqueductoplasty in the treatment of aqueductal obstructive hydrocephalus

Objective To study the application of endoscopic aqueductoplasty for the treatment of aqueductal obstructive hydrocephalus. Methods 16 cases of aqueductal obstructive hydrocephalus were treated with endoscopic aqueductoplasty under flexible neuron-endoscope in trans-frontal or stiboccipital approach respectively from Febrary 2007 to April 2008. Results All 16 patients had a sucessful aqueductoplasty with no complications related to aqueductoplasty such as disturbance of consciousness or oculomotor nerve paresis. The symptom of intracranial hypertension disappeared postoperatively. The maximal velocity of cerebrospinal fluid flow through aqueduct increased (2.18±0.34) cm/s and the maximal flux increased (0. 22±0. 07) ml/s detected by using cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging 6 months postoperation in 12 cases. Conclusion Endoscopic aqueductoplasty with flexible neuron-endoscope is a safe and effective method for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis or aqueductal membranous obstruction, but the operative indication should be obeyed strictly. Key words: Neuron-endoscope;  Obstructive hydrocephalus;  Aqueductal stenosis;  Aqueductal membranous obstruction;  Aqueductoplasty