Neuroendoscopy experience in Basrah

Abstract EN

In the last decade the endoscope became one of the most important neurosurgical tools, its use increasing with time and gaining popularity.

Since May 2005, forty six neuroendoscopy procedures were performed in two hospitals in Basrah, 34 were Endoscopic third ventriculostomies (ETV) to treat hydrocephalus, three arachnoids cyst fenestrations, three ventricular tumor biopsies, and one operation to remove third ventricle tumor partially that already biopsied, three colloid cyst removed and one septotomy to treat encysted hydrocephalus, One case of craniopharyngioma had catheter implanted via the endoscope.

The patients’ age ranged from 3 weeks to 70 years, However of the patients who had ETV, 37% (11 \ 34 ) were younger than one year age.

Over one week to twenty months (mean follow up period were 11 months), During that time and for patients who had ETV symptoms of raised intracranial pressure that necessitated a shunt define the failure of treatment, That encountered in two patients , both were younger than one year age.

Although time of follow up was rather short, the success rate was 100% for patients older than one year of age who had definite obstructive hydrocephalus.

ETV has become the treatment of choice for certain pediatric and adult hydrocephalic conditions.

Saving patients from shunt dependence and complications improving the outcomes and avoiding subsequent morbidity and mortality.