Melissa,

The info I found on this is from the book titled Hydrocephalus. It is as follows.

Page 100; Endoscopic Third ventriculostomy

In peforming a third ventriculostomy, your neurosurgeon will make a small hole in the floor of the third ventricle of your brain. This hole, which is several millimeters in size, allows CSF to flow from the blocked ventricles into the open spaces surrounding the brain.

If successful, the third ventriculotomy procedure will eliminate your need for a shunt. However, not everyone with hydrocephalus can receive this procedure. The patient must have non-communicating hydrocephalus (the obstruction of CSF flow is within the ventricular system).

In the short run, a third ventriculostomy is more risky than a shunt, but just the reverse in the long run. Complications of a third ventriculostomy include:       

Hemorrhage

Aneurysm formation

Cranial nerve palsy, particularly causing double vision

Diabetes insipidus (water, not sugar)

Memory deficits

Although a third ventriculostomy eliminates the need for a shunt, it is still not a cure. Even patients who receive a successful 3rd vent must be closely monitored following the procedure to ensure that the holes in the floor of the 3rd ventricle don't become obstructed or closed from scarring. The overall success rate is about 50%. Previous history of meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage will reduce the success rate.

I also found these web sites with info for you to check out!

http://www.neurosurg.wisc.edu/thrdvent.htm

http://www.asbah.org/ventriculo.html

http://www.masc.cc/endoscopic.htm

Melissa I hope these help you to understand this procedure a little more. Hugs!   Pam

 "Melissa <bigred410@...>" <bigred410@...> wrote:

My name is Melissa. I am looking to find any information about the
procedure called Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy. If you have had
this done can you please contact me with your results and how it
went for you. Recovery time and problems would be greatly
appreciated.  This procedure has been presented to me as my shunt
has recently failed. Response may be slow as someone is writing this
for me.

Thank You,
Melissa



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