Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has gain popularity and has become the treatment of choice for certain pediatric and adult hydrocephalic conditions. In this technique, a small perforation is made in the thinned floor of the third ventricle, allowing movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) out of the blocked ventricular system and into the interpenducular cistern (a normal CSF space). ETV is attractive because of its simplicity, durability and its elimination of the need for lifelong implanted hardware.
However, ETV has been associated with problems related to neural and vascular injury as well as endocrinopathy, and the procedure may fail even after creation of a technically successful fenestration. This article will discuss the complications and precautions of intraoperative ETV, especially intra-ventricular bleeding. Intra-ventricular bleeding Intra-ventricular bleeding can be…
