Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy versus Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt in Patients with Obstructive Hydrocephalus: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Impact of choroid plexus coagulation on the success of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in children with hydrocephalus: a single-center retrospective observational cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Hydrocephalus is a common condition in childhood, often treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS). Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has emerged as an effective alternative, and the addition of choroid plexus coagulation (CPC) is believed to enhance its success, particularly in children under 6 months.

METHODS

In this observational study, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 167 pediatric patients who underwent ETV, with and without CPC, at the Hospital da Restauração in Pernambuco. The primary outcome was to evaluate the success rates of ETV and ETV + CPC at immediate postoperative or outcome at discharge and 6-month follow-up. Statistical analyses, including chi-square, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression, were employed to assess correlations between dependent and independent variables.

RESULTS

ETV + CPC showed a significantly higher success rate in the immediate postoperative period (91%) compared to ETV alone (75%) (p = 0.007). After 6 months, success rates were similar for both groups (67% for ETV + CPC and 66% for ETV), with no significant difference (p = 0.855). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the type of surgery (ETV + CPC vs. ETV) was a significant predictor of immediate postoperative success (OR 2.81, 95%CI 1.18-6.72, p = 0.020). Age and sex did not correlate significantly with surgical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The addition of CPC to ETV significantly enhances immediate postoperative success in young children with hydrocephalus. Although long-term outcomes equalized, these findings suggest that CPC can be a valuable adjunct in optimizing short-term results.

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt and Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for Hydrocephalus in Adult Patients With Brain Metastases

BACKGROUND

Patients with brain metastases and concurrent hydrocephalus warrant expedited treatment. This study evaluated survival outcomes of patients with brain metastases and hydrocephalus treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) or ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement.  Materials and methods: Twenty patients with brain metastases and hydrocephalus were treated with ETV or VPS over 10 years (July 18, 2013-November 20, 2023). Our findings were juxtaposed against data from 77 published controls to assess whether ETV and VPS management correlated with enhanced survival.  Results: The most common primary cancer diagnoses were breast (9 [45%]) and non-small cell lung cancer (5 [25%]). Seven (35%) patients had leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. The initial procedure to treat hydrocephalus was a VPS in 13 (65%) patients; seven (35%) had an ETV first. Patients with a single brain metastatic lesion had a longer median overall survival (OS) than those with more than one metastatic site (154.5 versus 67.0 days). Our cohort had a similar median OS following the ETV/VPS procedure compared to published data (92.5 versus 91 days). In both ETV and VPS subsets, our cohort had a longer median OS than published data: 106 versus 56 days for ETV and 79 versus 56 days for VPS.  Conclusions: Patients with brain metastases and hydrocephalus who underwent an ETV or VPS placement had improved survival compared to historical controls and if they had only one metastatic lesion. Interdisciplinary evaluation of patients with brain metastases by neurosurgeons as well as medical and radiation oncologists is warranted to facilitate systemic therapy after hydrocephalus relief.

A qualitative analysis of patient and caregiver experiences with myelomeningocele through online discussion boards

PURPOSE

Patients and caregivers impacted by myelomeningocele (MMC) use online discussion board forums to create community and share information and concerns about this complex medical condition. We aim to identify the primary concerns expressed on these forums with the goal of understanding gaps in care that may merit investment of resources to improve care received by this population.

METHODS

Anonymous posts from online MMC discussion boards were compiled using internet search engines. Posts were then analyzed using an adaptation of the Grounded Theory Method, a three-step system involving open, axial, and selective coding of the data by two independent researchers to identify common themes.

RESULTS

Analysis of 400 posts written primarily by parents (n = 342, 85.5%) and patients (n = 45, 11.25%) yielded three overarching themes: questions surrounding quality of life, a lack of support for mothers of children with MMC, and confusion with a complex healthcare system. Many posts revealed concerns about management and well-being with MMC, including posts discussing symptoms and related conditions (n = 299, 75.75%), treatments (n = 259, 65.75%), and emotional aspects of MMC (n = 146, 36.5%). Additionally, families, especially mothers, felt a lack of support in their roles as caregivers. Finally, in 118 posts (29.5%), patients and families expressed frustration with navigating a complex healthcare system and finding specialists whose opinions they trusted.

CONCLUSIONS

MMC is a complex medical condition that impacts patients and families in unique ways. Analysis of online discussion board posts identified key themes to be addressed in order to improve the healthcare experiences of those impacted by MMC.