title: Laser-assisted endoscopic third ventriculostomy for obstructive hydrocephalus: technique and results in a series of 40 consecutive cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report a case series of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) using laser in 40 consecutive patients with obstructive hydrocephalus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Under stereotactic and endoscopic guidance, multiple perforations in the ventricular floor using a 1.32 microm neodymium-yttrium/aluminum/garnet (Nd-YAG) or a 0.805 microm diode laser unit and removal of intervening coagulated tissue ensued with a 4-6 mm opening between third ventricle and basilar cisterns.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The procedure could be completed in all cases. A transient complication occurred in five cases. In 39 patients (mean follow-up 28 months), 31 (79%) had a favorable outcome. Failure occurred in six patients, requiring permanent shunting leading to complete recovery, and two patients remained in a poor clinical status despite ETV.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laser-assisted ETV is a safe and efficient procedure for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. Laser is advantageous in cases of distorted anatomy and may reduce technical failures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, rue Cabanis, 75674, Paris cedex 14, France. devaux@chsa.broca.inserm.fr
authors.forename: Bertrand C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Devaux
authors.forename: Luc-Marie
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Joly
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Page
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nataf
authors.forename: Baris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Turak
authors.forename: Frederic
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Beuvon
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Trystram
authors.forename: François-Xavier
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Roux
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D044583:Neuroendoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014696:Ventriculostomy / Q000379:methods*