Abstract
Improvements in the technology have made endoscopic third ventriculostomy safer than
earlier technics of open third ventriculostomy as described by Scarf (14). Similarly, it is safer than the stereotactic technics used by Pierre-Kahn (10), Sayers (13), and Hoffman (4). The morbidity and mortality have decreased and the effectiveness has also increased
(12,15). Modern operations are based on Guiot's technique (2).
In the management of hydrocephalus third ventriculostomy has to be compared with the
treatment with intracranial shunts. Currently in our hands the procedure has a higher
morbidity rate than a shunt operation. Our figures include those from our early experience
(5) - more recent figures show a lower complication rate. We believe the higher morbidity
is acceptable as the chance of being permanently cured is 80% in favourable cases.
Key words
Endoscopy - Hydrocephalus - Third Ventriculostomy
