ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the feasibility of neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy for chronic posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH).Methods Nineteen cases of chronic PTH treated with neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy between October 2010 and October 2014 were analyzed retrospectively.There were 13 males and 6 females, aged 11-57 years (mean, 36.3 years).Trauma resulted from traffic accidents in 14 cases, falls in 4 cases and blunt object hitting in 1 case.Of the 19 cases analyzed, 5 had Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13-15, 5 had score of 9-12 and 9 had score of 5-8 at admission.Results of operation were assessed with the Canada multicenter evaluation criteria.Prognosis was analyzed with the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).Results All cases were followed up for mean 13.6 months (range, 6-26 months).Improvement of symptoms was achieved in 17 cases, but was not seen in 2 cases.Of the 2 cases, one required ventriculoperitoneal shunt two weeks after ineffective ventriculostomy, and one required second ventriculostomy one month after the presence of stoma blockage.No serious complications occurred.At follow-up, 9 cases had GOS score of 5, 8 cases had score of 4 and 2 cases had score of 3.Conclusions Neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy is in line with the physical characteristics in cerebrospinal fluid circulation, which implies no shunt implantation, less operative trauma and less complications.The procedure is an effective approach for chronic PTH.