Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy as CSF Diversion in Hydrocephalus with Posterior Fossa Lesions

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the role of External Third Ventriculotomy (ETV) for treating hydrocephalus before or during removal of posterior fossa tumor.Design: Quasi experimental study.Place and Duration of Study: Neurosurgery department Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for women Nawabshah, from 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2010.Material and Methods: Patients were admitted for hydrocephalus with posterior fossa tumors. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy performed and posterior fossa tumors were excised completely or partially. Post operative persistent hydrocephalus was treated with repeat ETV or VP shunt.Results: The study population consisted of 8 patients with male preponderance (6 males 75% and 2 females 25%). Age group included 5 months to 40 years with mean age 20.2 years. 7 patients (87.5%) did not require postoperative shunting.Conclusion: ETV is an alternative and effective method of treating hydrocephalus associated with posterior fossa tumors avoiding external drains or shunts. It decreases the risk of post-resection hydrocephalus