We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients at our institution who
underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (E3 V) or fenestration of intraventricular
cysts using the Grotenhuis endoscopic perforator. The procedure was performed on 23
patients between 2001 and 2006, and included 20 E3Vs and three intraventricular cyst
fenestrations. The Grotenhuis perforator was effective in accomplishing a fenestration
with multiple attempts. When the floor of the third ventricle was translucent, the
perforator was effective with the least amount of effort. The instrument was less
effective and additional instruments were necessary in patients with arachnoid cysts
or when the floor of the third ventricle was thick. The main advantage in using the
Grotenhuis perforator was in displacing the floor of the third ventricle away from
the basilar artery during perforation. No basilar artery injury or other serious complications
occurred in patients who underwent E3 V or cyst fenestration using the Grotenhuis
perforator.
endoscopic third ventriculostomy - intraventricular cyst - endoscopic perforator -
surgical technique
