Artikel
Navigation- and laser-assisted neuroendoscopy in the management of complex hydrocephalus
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Veröffentlicht: | 16. September 2010 |
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Gliederung
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Objective: In complex multiloculated hydrocephalus and intracranial cysts endoscopic procedures are a viable alternative to shunt operations which have a high complication rate due to the necessity to implant multiple catheters in the majority of patients. Endoscopy allows fenestration of membranes for unhindered communication between different CSF-compartments, resulting either in avoidance of shunt implantation at all or reduction of the required number of ventricular catheters to one. Interestingly, large clinical series dealing with the endoscopic management of multiloculated hydrocephalus are missing so far.
Methods: From 2002 to 2010, 70 patients (mean age 17.5 years), mostly with post-haemorrhagic or post-infectious hydrocephalus and congenital cysts, underwent endoscopic cystocystostomy, cystoventriculostomy and/or cystocisternostomy, using a 2.0 µ fibre conducted laser. Mean follow up time was 4.7 years. Neuronavigation was used in 95% of the procedures. In some cases ETV, pellucidotomy and the rescue of lost or fixed catheters were additionally performed via the endoscope.
Results: Overall, 17 of the 70 patients needed no further shunt. In 21 patients with untreated hydrocephalus, only one ventricular catheter which lined up the cysts was sufficient. Simplification of a previous multiple-catheter shunt was possible in 25 children. In 10 children the development of a new cyst was observed and treated by reendoscopy (6) or microsurgery (4). Beside one transient hemiparesis we did not observe any morbidity or mortality. Neuronavigation was essential in most cases.
Conclusions: Fenestration of cysts in multiloculated hydrocephalus using the laser via the endoscope is a highly effective and safe treatment option, which allows either to avoid a shunt or, in the majority of patients, to simplify the implanted shunt system which then is less prone to complications. Neuronavigation and laser are important tools for a successful operation.