Endoscopic third ventriculostomy explained
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy |
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a surgical procedure for treatment of hydrocephalus in which an opening is created in the floor of the third ventricle using an endoscope placed within the ventricular system through a burr hole. This allows the cerebrospinal fluid to flow directly to the basal cisterns, bypassing the obstruction. Specifically, the opening is created in the translucent tuber cinereum on the third ventricular floor.[1]
Medical uses
The ETV procedure is used as an alternative to a cerebral shunt[2] mainly to treat certain forms of noncommunicating obstructive hydrocephalus (such as aqueductal stenosis), but since the ETV was introduced as an accepted treatment modality the range of etiologies for which it is used has grown significantly. Whereas at first it was almost exclusively performed in patients with noncommunicating obstructive hydrocephalus (e.g. aqueductal stenosis or intracerebral tumor), in the present day patients with communicating obstructive hydrocephalus (e.g. post intracranial hemorrhage or post intracranial infection) also may be eligible for treatment by means of ETV.
Complications
A major advantage of performing an endoscopic third ventriculostomy over placement of a cerebrospinal fluid shunt is the absence of an implanted foreign body. A shunt has risk of infection and failure for which subsequent surgery is needed. Complications of ETV include hemorrhage (the most severe being due to basilar artery rupture), injury to neural structures (e.g. hypothalamus, pituitary gland or fornix of the brain), and late sudden deterioration.[3] Infection, hematoma, and cerebrospinal fluid leaks may present in the direct postoperative period.
Failure of treatment
Failure of the ETV occurs. This can be due to occlusion of the ventriculostomy (e.g. closure of the ventriculostomy, formation of subarachnoid membranes in the pontine cistern or other mechanisms). Although 60 - 90% of failures occur in the first few months after treatment, long-term failure also occurs (failures occurring after 7 years have been reported).[4] In a very small subgroup of patients a complication of ETV can be rapid late deterioration.[5] The mechanism is not clear.
Alternative treatment
When it is not possible to perform an ETV for different reasons, an alternative treatment is opening the lamina terminalis anterior to the third ventricle.[6] The effectiveness of this approach is not certain.[7]
The surgical treatment options for hydrocephalus are, as previously mentioned, implantation of a cerebral shunt and ETV. Especially in the youngest age group (younger than two years of age) it remains uncertain what is the superior treatment modality. Currently, a large international, multicenter study is conducted to address this issue. Patients under the age of two, diagnosed with aqueductal stenosis without a history of preterm birth or other associated brain anomalies are being included (International Infant Hydrocephalus Study).[8] [9]
Combined with choroid plexus cauterization
There is a discussion regarding the additional benefit of combining endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization. This combined procedure is referred by the abbreviation "ETV/CPC" and has also been called the "Warf Procedure"[10] after Dr. Benjamin Warf. There have been research studies published about the experience of authors with this procedure. The lion's share of the data that show favorable results is reported on patients in Africa.[11] More recent studies from research groups in Western countries also show that the combination of ETV with choroid plexus cauterization seems to be effective, safe, and durable,[12] and that predictions for success are similar to those of ETV alone.[13] The degree of choroid plexus cauterization in infants might be dependent on the experience of the neurosurgeon (learning curve) and thus surgeons training might improve results.[14] The ETV/CPC procedure is now being performed in a number of hospitals in US and Canadian cities, including Seattle, Washington; Houston, Texas; Calgary, Alberta; Toronto, Ontario; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Boston, Massachusetts.[15]
Prediction of ETV success
The chances of success of treatment of a pediatric patient can be calculated using the ETV success score (ETVSS).[16] [17] [18] The ETVSS is derived from patient age, etiology of hydrocephalus and history of previous cerebrospinal fluid shunt (e.g. ventriculo-peritoneal shunt). The percentage probability of ETV success = Age score + Etiology score + Previous shunt score. A two years old patient with hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis, without previous shunt would have an 80% chance of success (40 for age + 30 for etiology + 10 for no previous shunt = 80).
ETVSS table[16]
The ETVSS was derived and validated without the use of adult data and it has inadequate discriminative ability in mixed adult and pediatric populations.[19]
Second ETV
After a patient gets readmitted with recurrent clinical and radiological symptomatology of hydrocephalus, it is unclear what the next step in treatment should be. Implantation of a cerebrospinal fluid shunt or repeat ETV. Data suggest that a second ETV might be worthwhile if implantation of cerebrospinal fluid shunt can be avoided.[20] [21]
Training ETV
In most countries and neurosurgical centres, the ETV procedure is part of the basic neurosurgery training program. For the sake of teaching and practicing, various simulation models have been developed. Virtual reality simulators,[22] and synthetic simulators.[23] [24] This allows neurosurgical trainees to practice skills in a low-risk environment. Educators can select either a virtual reality simulator or a physical model for the training of residents, the selection should be based on educational objectives. Where training focused on anatomy and using anatomical landmarks for decision making may better be aided with virtual reality model, the focus on familiarizing the resident with endoscopic equipment and developing manual dexterity may be better learned on a physical model.[25] The technical skill and competency of a trainee can be evaluated using the Neuro-Endoscopic Ventriculostomy Assessment Tool (NEVAT).[26]
External links
Notes and References
- Hydrocephalus in children. The Lancet. 10.1016/s0140-6736(15)60694-8. Kristopher T. Kahle. Abhaya V. Kulkarni. David D. Limbrick. Benjamin C. Warf. 26256071. 387. 10020. 2016. 788–99. 27947722 .
- http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/en/healthaz/ConditionsandDiseases/BrainandNervousSystemDisorders/Pages/Hydrocephalus-and-Treatment-Shunts-and-Endoscopic-Third-Ventriculostomy.aspx Hydrocephalus and Treatment: Shunts and Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy
- 10.1016/j.wneu.2012.02.014. 22381818. Complications of endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Journal of Neurosurgery. 79. 2 Supple. e9–12. 2013. Bouras. T.. Sgouros. S..
- Long-term results of endoscopic third ventriculostomy: an outcome analysis. Journal of Neurosurgery. 2015-07-31. 1456–1462. 10.3171/2014.11.jns14414. 26230473. en. Sonja. Vulcu. Leonie. Eickele. Giuseppe. Cinalli. Wolfgang. Wagner. Joachim. Oertel. 123. 6. free.
- 10.3171/ped.2006.105.2.118. 16922073. Late rapid deterioration after endoscopic third ventriculostomy: additional cases and review of the literature.. Journal of Neurosurgery. 105. 2 Supple. 118–26. 2006. Drake. J.. Chumas. P.. Kestle. J.. Pierre-Kahn. A.. Vinchon. M.. Brown. J.. Pollack. I.F.. Arai. H. . 41357365.
- 10.3171/2010.6.JNS09491. 20707616. Endoscopic transventricular third ventriculostomy through the lamina terminalis. Journal of Neurosurgery. 113. 6. 1261–9. 2010. Oertel. Joachim M. K.. Vulcu. Sonja. Schroeder. Henry W. S.. Konerding. Moritz A.. Wagner. Wolfgang. Gaab. Michael R.. 9327180.
- 10.3171/2009.1.JNS0821. 19284236. Efficacy of lamina terminalis fenestration in reducing shunt-dependent hydrocephalus following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A systematic review. Journal of Neurosurgery. 111. 1. 147–54. 2009. Komotar. Ricardo J.. Hahn. David K.. Kim. Grace H.. Starke. Robert M.. Garrett. Matthew C.. Merkow. Maxwell B.. Otten. Marc L.. Sciacca. Robert R.. E. Sander Connolly. Connolly. E. Sander. 28475913.
- The international infant hydrocephalus study: concept and rational. Child's Nervous System. 2005-10-15. 0256-7040. 338–345. 22. 4. 10.1007/s00381-005-1253-y. 16228238. en. S.. Sgouros. A. V.. Kulkharni. S.. Constantini. 25533719 .
- 10.1016/j.wneu.2012.02.003. 22381849. Neuroendoscopy in the youngest age group.. World Neurosurgery. 79. 2 Supple. S23.e1–11. 2013. Constantini. S.. Sgouros. S.. Kulkarni. A..
- Web site: Neurosurgeons challenged to eliminate all infant deaths from hydrocephalus. EurekAlert. 14 January 2016.
- 10.3171/2012.4.PEDS1253. 22747094. Long-term outcome for endoscopic third ventriculostomy alone or in combination with choroid plexus cauterization for congenital aqueductal stenosis in African infants. Journal of Neurosurgery. Pediatrics. 10. 2 . 108–11. 2012. Warf. B.C.. Tracy. S.. Mugamba. J. .
- 10.3171/2014.7.PEDS14152. 25171723. Combined endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus cauterization as primary treatment for infant hydrocephalus: a prospective North American series. Journal of Neurosurgery. Pediatrics. 14. 5 . 439–46. 2014. Stone. S.S.. Warf. B.C. . free.
- Web site: Riva-Cambrin. Jay. ETV+CPC Success and Evolving Indications over Time: A Prospective HCRN Study. Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network. 7 March 2016.
- 10.3171/2014.6.PEDS13492. 24995823. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus cauterization in infants with hydrocephalus: a retrospective Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network study. Journal of Neurosurgery. Pediatrics. 14. 3. 224–9. 2014. Kulkarni. A.V.. Riva-Cambrin. J.. Browd. S.R.. Drake. J.M.. Holubkov. R.. Kestle. J.R.. Limbrick. D.D.. Rozzelle. C.J.. Simon. T.D.. Tamber. M.S.. Wellons. J.C.3rd.. Whitehead. W.E.. Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network. . free.
- News: Ruparell. Asha. New neurosurgery saves lives in Calgary by treating hydrocephalus, 'water in the brain'. 25 May 2016. Global News.
- 10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.02.048. 19446842. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the treatment of childhood hydrocephalus. Journal of Pediatrics. 155. 2. 254–9. 2009. Kulkarni. A.V.. Drake. J.M.. Mallucci. C.L.. Sgouros. S.. Roth. J.. Constantini. S.. Canadian Pediatric Neurosurgery Study Group.
- Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the treatment of childhood hydrocephalus: validation of a success score that predicts long-term outcome. Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics. 2011-11-01. 1933-0707. 489–493. 8. 5. 10.3171/2011.8.PEDS1166. 22044375. Andrew J.. Durnford. Fenella J.. Kirkham. Nijaguna. Mathad. Owen C. E.. Sparrow.
- An external validation of the ETVSS for both short-term and long-term predictive adequacy in 104 pediatric patients. Child's Nervous System. 2013-05-05. 0256-7040. 1305–1311. 29. 8. 10.1007/s00381-013-2122-8. 23644629. en. G. E.. Breimer. D. A.. Sival. M. G. J.. Brusse-Keizer. E. W.. Hoving. 24475766 .
- Predicting success of endoscopic third ventriculostomy: validation of the ETV Success Score in a mixed population of adult and pediatric patients.. Journal of Neurosurgery. 2015-07-24. 1447–1455. 123. 6. 10.3171/2014.12.JNS141240. 26207604. en. M.. Labidi. P.. Lavoie. G.. Lapointe. D.. Obaid. A.G.. Weil. M.W.. Bojanowski. A.. Turmel. free.
- 10.1227/01.NEU.0000350228.08523.D1. 19687699. Long-term results of a second endoscopic third ventriculostomy in children: retrospective analysis of 40 cases.. Neurosurgery. 65. 3. 539–47. 2009. Peretta. P.. Cinalli. G.. Spennato. P.. Ragazzi. P.. Rugierro. C.. Aliberti. F.. Carlino. C.. Cianciulli. E. . 22505364.
- Reopening of an obstructed third ventriculostomy: long-term success and factors affecting outcome in 215 infants. Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics. 2015-02-06. 399–405. 15. 4. 10.3171/2014.10.peds14250. 25658247. en. Paul J.. Marano. Scellig S. D.. Stone. John. Mugamba. Peter. Ssenyonga. Ezra B.. Warf. Benjamin C.. Warf. free.
- 10.1016/j.wneu.2012.08.022. 23178917. Fundamentals of neurosurgery: virtual reality tasks for training and evaluation of technical skills.. World Neurosurgery. 80. 5. e9–19. 2013. Choudhury. N.. Gelinas-Phaneuf. F.. Delorme. S.. Del Maestro. R. . 3028199.
- 10.3171/2014.9.PEDS1447. 25360853. Design and evaluation of a new synthetic brain simulator for endoscopic third ventriculostomy.. Journal of Neurosurgery. Pediatrics. 15. 1. 82–8. 2015. Breimer. G.E.. Bodani. V.. Looi. T.. Drake. J.M. . 10586172. free.
- 10.1055/s-0029-1246169. 20376746. Neuroendoscopic training: presentation of a new real simulator.. Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery. 53. 1. 44–6. 2010. Zymberg. S.. Vaz-Guimaraes Filho. F.. Lyra. M. . 37521372.
- Breimer. Gerben E.. Haji. Faizal A.. Bodani. Vivek. Cunningham. Melissa S.. Lopez-Rios. Adriana-Lucia. Okrainec. Allan. Drake. James M.. Simulation-based Education for Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy. Operative Neurosurgery. 13. 1. June 2016. 89–95. 10.1227/NEU.0000000000001317. 28931258.
- Development and content validation of performance assessments for endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Child's Nervous System. 2015-05-01. 0256-7040. 1247–1259. 31. 8. 10.1007/s00381-015-2716-4. 25930722. en. Gerben E.. Breimer. Faizal A.. Haji. Eelco W.. Hoving. James M.. Drake. 24043065 .