Loculated hydrocephalus: is neuroendoscopy effective and safe? A 90 patients' case series and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Loculated hydrocephalus is a complex condition in which different non-communicating compartments form within the ventricular system due to different etiology, mainly intraventricular hemorrhage and infection. Since the end of the twentieth century, neuroendoscopy has been explored as a therapeutic option for loculated hydrocephalus with non-univocal results.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 90 patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for loculated hydrocephalus from January 1997 to January 2021 (mean age: 2 years, range 7-21). We included 37 (41.1%) children with multiloculated hydrocephalus, 37 (41.1%) with isolated lateral ventricle, 13 (14.4%) with excluded temporal horn, and 3 (3.3%) with isolated fourth ventricle. We compared our results with those available in literature.

RESULTS

A mean of 1.91 endoscopic procedure/patient were performed (only one endoscopy in 42.2% of cases). Complications of neuroendoscopy and of shunt surgeries were recorded in 17 (18.9%) and 52 (57.8%) children, respectively. Twenty-six (28.9%) children were shunt-free at the last follow-up, 47.8% have only one shunt.

DISCUSSION

The first goal of neuroendoscopy is to increase the rate of shunt-free patients but, when it is not possible, it aims at simplifying shunt system and reducing the number of surgical procedures. In our series, neuroendoscopy was able to achieve both these goals with an acceptable complication rate. Thus, our results confirmed neuroendoscopy as a valid tool in the long-term management of loculated hydrocephalus. Neuronavigation and intraoperative ultrasound could increase the success rate in cases with distorted anatomy.

Management of Complex Hydrocephalus

Background

Management of complex/multiloculated/septated hydrocephalus is challenging. Neuroendoscopy has been well-established when compared to multiple shunt placements in management of multiloculated hydrocephalus (MH). The main aim of neuroendoscopy is to convert multiple locules into a single locule and drain it by either third ventriculostomy or ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Objective

The objective is to reduce the number of surgical procedures and improve the quality of life. Neuroendoscopy avoids multiple shunt placement and need for revision of shunt.

Methods

Literature review regarding natural history, pathogenesis, classification and management of complex/uni/multiloculated hydrocephalus was extensively done and our minimal experience with these cases has been taken into consideration.

Conclusion

Neuroendoscopy when combined with frameless neuronavigation is reliable, accurate, and extremely useful in maintaining orientation and localizing the appropriate fenestration site in MH where anatomical landmarks are grossly distorted.

Treatment of multi-loculated hydrocephalus using endoscopic cyst fenestration and endoscopic guided VP shunt insertion

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of endoscopic cyst fenestration and endoscopic guided VP shunt insertion in multi-loculated hydrocephalus in children.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis was performed on 20 patients with multi-loculated hydrocephalus who underwent endoscopic cyst fenestration (ECF) alone or in combination with VP shunt revision or insertion between August 2014 and December 2016 with the extended follow-up period to December 2017.

RESULTS

Thirty-one ECFs were performed: ECF alone, 10 operations in 8 cases, and 21 ECFs with shunt insertion in 12 cases. Eighteen of 20 patients required a VP shunt, 7 cases required multiple shunts. All patients with a previous shunt remained shunt dependent; and 6 cases with no prior shunt underwent endoscopic guided ventricular catheter insertion after ECF; only 2 cases did not require a shunt after ECF. The rate of repeated ECFs was 0.25 operations/year and the shunt revision rate was 0.11 operations/year. VP shunt or cystoperitoneal shunt without repeat ECF was used in 7 cases (35%). Mean duration between operations was 71 days in repeated ECF and 16 days in added-on shunt. The most common cause of re-operations was new formation of intraventricular fibrosis or compartmentalization causing ventricular catheter blockage.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic cyst fenestration and endoscopic assisted VP shunt insertion minimize shunt complications in multi-loculated hydrocephalus. Shunt independence is unusual.