[Experience with neuroendoscopic treatment of 12 patients with obstructive hydrocephalus due to aqueduct lesions].
OBJECTIVE
To review our experience in the treatment of hydrocephalus caused by aqueduct obstruction with neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy.


METHODS
Of the 12 patients with hydrocephalus, 10 had primary aqueduct obstruction with the other 2 suffering the obstruction secondary to tectal tumors. In all the cases the neuroendoscope was advanced into the third ventricle via the frontal horn and foramen of Monro, followed by third ventriculostomy to achieve free communication between the third ventricle and interpeduncular cistern.


RESULTS
All the procedures were successful and smooth, with only occasional mild intra- and post-operative complications. Nine of the 12 patients were followed up 3 months after the operation, and 7 were found with good therapeutic effect while 2 failed to respond favorably.


CONCLUSIONS
Neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy is effective for hydrocephalus due to aqueduct obstruction, and may yield satisfactory short-term results. Different techniques of fenestration should be used to suit the individual-specific conditions of the third ventricle floor. In the follow-up of the patients, evaluation of the intracranial pressure and the patients' symptoms constitutes the main basis for assessment of the clinical results.
Peng
Yu-ping
YP
Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, First Military University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Zhang
Xi-an
XA
Qi
Song-tao
ST
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002535:Cerebral Aqueduct; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014696:Ventriculostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*