NS-31ENDOSCOPIC THIRD VENTRICULOCISTERNOSTOMY FOR THE TREATMENT OF HYDROCEPHALUS IN CHILDREN WITH POSTERIOR FOSSA TUMORS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Retrospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) performed in children with posterior fossa tumors and hydrocephalus in an attempt to classify the selected cases who could benefit from ETV as a permanent CSF diversion procedure. Methods: During the period between February 2013 and February 2016, 9 patients with posterior fossa tumors and associated hydrocephalus were treated inside the Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad del Bajio and Hospital Aranda de la Parra in Leò n, Mexico, with ETV in order to relieve the increased intracranial pressure while awaiting their definite tumor surgery. Results: ETV was successful in relieving hydrocephalus clinically and radiologically in 6 patients with different posterior fossa pathologies. In the other 3 cases, preoperative ETV failed in permanently resolving hydrocephalus and patients required the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt after their posterior fossa surgery and during their follow-up period. Conclusions: ETV should be considered as an alternative procedure to VP shunt in controlling severe hydrocephalus related to posterior fossa tumors, to relieve symptoms during the preoperative period while patients await their definite tumor excision. Eliminates the risks of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infection related to external drainage. Since preoperative hydrocephalus is very often physically obstructive,ETVshouldalways be considered a possible treatment procedure.