title: Ventricular volume and neurocognitive outcome after endoscopic third ventriculostomy: is shunting a better option? A review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Shunts are generally associated with a smaller post-treatment ventricular size in comparison to endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).
  
  
  METHODS
  To determine whether such a difference in ventricular size has neurocognitive implications, we reviewed the current literature pertaining to the (1) neurocognitive sequelae of hydrocephalus, (2) neurocognitive outcome after ETV, (3) extent of reversal of neurocognitive changes associated with hydrocephalus after shunting, and (4) data on correlation between post-treatment ventricular volume and neurocognitive outcome after ETV.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Collectively, the results of the available studies should call into question the correlation between the residual postoperative ventricular volume and neurocognitive outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The available literature is so far in support of ETV as a valid and effective treatment modality in hydrocephalic patients. No sufficient evidence is available to justify resorting to shunting on the premise that it is associated with a better neurocognitive outcome.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Ibn Sina Hospital, P. O Box 25427, Safat, 13115, Kuwait City, Kuwait. waleedazab@hotmail.com.
authors: Waleed A
authors: WA
authors: Azab
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Ibn Sina Hospital, P. O Box 25427, Safat, 13115, Kuwait City, Kuwait.|Clinical Centre of Serbia, Clinic for Neurosurgery, University Medical School, Belgrade, Serbia.
authors: Radovan M
authors: RM
authors: Mijalcic
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Ibn Sina Hospital, P. O Box 25427, Safat, 13115, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
authors: Saleh Ben
authors: SB
authors: Nakhi
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Ibn Sina Hospital, P. O Box 25427, Safat, 13115, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
authors: Mohammad H
authors: MH
authors: Mohammad
mesh_terms: D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D020542:Third Ventricle / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014696:Ventriculostomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods
keywords: Diffusion tensor imaging; Endoscopic third ventriculostomy; Neurocognitive; Shunt; Ventricle; Ventricular size; Volume