World Neurosurg
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A dilated fourth ventricle due to outlet obstruction is a clinical-radiologic entity with symptoms similar to those of a posterior fossa space-occupying lesion. Indeed, blockage of the foramina of Luschka and Magendie and of the aqueduct results in a "trapped" fourth ventricle. Continued cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production within the fourth ventricle leads to cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle. ⋯ In our reported cases, we have introduced a silicone tube stent from below after accessing the fourth ventricle through a small suboccipital craniectomy, ascending it on the aqueduct in order to reach the third ventricle. Management of this infrequently isolated fourth ventricle, but communicated with the rest of ventricular system, remains a challenge for neurosurgeons. Lack of knowledge of the pathophysiology makes it difficult to treat a problem that we do not understand.
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Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitosis of the central nervous system. Many forms, especially those inside the ventricles, carry a poor prognosis. Drug therapy is far from ideal. ⋯ Neurocysticercosis treatment remains challenging and multimodal. Endoscopes can be helpful in this setting.
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Review Historical Article
Neuroendoscopy: general aspects and principles.
When used in medicine, endoscopy describes a procedure used to see inside various parts of the body, such as the interior surfaces of an organ, by inserting a tube through a natural or created orifice. The instrument may have a rigid (borescope) or flexible (fiberscope) tube; it provides an image for visual inspection, photography and video-endoscopy and enables acquisition of biopsy specimens, removal of lesions, and retrieval of foreign objects. It is imperative that young neurosurgeons and residents become familiar and comfortable with endoscopic techniques, and it is hoped that they can contribute to the evolution and development of these surgical methods.
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Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is increasingly prevalent among pediatric neurosurgeons as the initial treatment for hydrocephalus. The combination of ETV and choroid plexus cauterization (ETV/CPC) has improved the success rate among infants with hydrocephalus for whom ETV alone is much less successful. In parts of the developing world where there are economic and human resource constraints, this mode of treatment may be more appropriate than the routine use of shunts, which are prone to failures that require urgent surgical treatment. Here we review indications for the use of ETV or ETV/CPC as the primary treatment for hydrocephalus. ⋯ Primary treatment of hydrocephalus by ETV can avoid shunt-dependence and its complications for many patients. Optimal results depend upon proper patient selection and the use of combined ETV/CPC when treating infants.