Neuroendoscopic foraminal plasty of foramen of Monro.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to describe and analyze the technique of neuroendoscopic foraminal plasty of foramen of Monro (NEFPFMO) in the treatment of isolated unilateral hydrocephalus (IUH) due to membranous occlusion, to evaluate its efficacy and safety, and to define the benefits of neuronavigational guidance of the procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two symptomatic neonates with IUH, as a result of congenital atresia of foramen of Monro, underwent NEFPFMO plus neuroendoscopic septostomy in the first case and neuronavigational guidance in the second one. Clinical results were excellent in both neonates. The postoperative ventricular size decreased and the progressive IUH changed to the state of arrested hydrocephalus. The neuronavigation was precise.

CONCLUSION

NEFPFMO should be the primary treatment option in patients with IUH due to membranous occlusion of foramen of Monro. It reestablishes natural anatomical communication and provides real physiological cerebrospinal fluid flow. Neuronavigation is a useful adjunct of NEFPFMO.