World Neurosurg
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To report the efficacy, safety, and outcomes through time of the biggest series to our knowledge of pituitary surgery using transcranial, transsphenoidal, and endoscopic techniques. ⋯ The sum of this 38-year experience of managing pituitary pathology and its surgical treatment shows the importance of working together with other specialists such as endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, and radiologists. The correct treatment approach for each case must be individually selected. Transsphenoidal surgery is an effective and safe treatment for most patients with pituitary adenoma and could be considered the first-choice therapy in all cases except for prolactinomas that respond to pharmacologic therapy (dopamine agonist).
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Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is the treatment of choice for obstructive hydrocephalus. In some cases a reclosure of the ventriculostoma occurs. This could be caused by different reasons, such as operative technique, size of the stoma, scarring, or a persisting Liliequist membrane. ⋯ In cases of secondary closure of the stoma after ETV, an endoscopic reventriculostomy is recommended using the same operative approach and should be taken into consideration before the application of a cerebrospinal fluid diversion system.
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There are potentially 100,000 to 200,000 new cases of infant hydrocephalus each year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. The difficulty of accessing urgent neurosurgical care in this region substantially magnifies the risk of serious morbidity and death from shunt malfunction. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is an excellent treatment alternative to shunt placement, but its effectiveness in young infants is substantially reduced. ⋯ The broader impact of this technique on the management of pediatric hydrocephalus in the developing world will be dependent on demonstration of its success when implemented by other surgeons in different patient populations, and the extent to which this treatment paradigm is ultimately adopted.
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This paper discusses indications for and the technique of endoscopic aqueductoplasty with stenting. ⋯ Aqueductoplasty with stenting is the procedure of choice for the treatment of isolated fourth ventricle. Membranous and tumor-related aqueductal stenosis should be treated by endoscopic third ventriculostomy.