Endoscopic third ventriculostomy

Abstract

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is an endoscopic technique that allows the treatment of triventricular or tetraventricular hydrocephalus associated with a mechanical obstruction located along the cerebrospinal fluid pathways, which does not allow free communication between the ventricular space and the prepontine and perisellar subarachnoid spaces. Although the success rate of the procedure is far from being 100% depending on many clinical and radiological factors, its undeniable advantages imposed over the last 20 years its development and presence in the surgical armamentarium of every pediatric neurosurgeon. This chapter is dedicated to a revision of the history, indications, surgical technique, and complication avoidance of the procedure.