title: Long-term resolution of acute, obstructive, triventricular hydrocephalus by endoscopic removal of a third ventricular hematoma without third ventriculostomy. Case report and review of the literature.
abstract: The authors describe a new extension of the use of neuroendoscopy beyond that which is ordinarily performed. The authors report on the resolution of acute, obstructive, triventricular hydrocephalus in a 42-year-old woman with hypertensive caudate hemorrhage that migrated into the ventricular system. The patient underwent emergency endoscopic removal of a third ventricular hematoma, which was obstructing the orifice of the aqueduct, and restoration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow but no third ventriculostomy. The authors believe that this is the first such case to be reported. In selected cases of third ventricular hemorrhage, endoscopic removal of the intraventricular hematoma may represent a useful and effective treatment option even in emergency conditions as well as a better alternative to prolonged CSF external ventricular drainage. A reduction in the duration of hospitalization is a beneficial consequence. The authors assert that third ventriculostomy is not always needed.
authors.affiliation: Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania Italy. giuseppebarbagal@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Giuseppe M V
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Barbagallo
authors.forename: Nunzio
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Platania
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schonauer
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*