[Endoscopic treatment for fourth ventricular outlet obstruction].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the therapeutic efficacies of endoscope for fourth ventricular outlet obstruction (FVOO).

METHODS

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) was performed for 30 cases. The circumstances of third ventricular floor and basal cistern were observed and recorded intra-operatively. Meanwhile the fourth ventricular exploration and fistulation were performed across enlarged aqueduct. And the velocity and flow rate of aqueduct, fourth ventricular outlet and stoma were evaluated post-operatively with Cine-MR (magnetic resonance).

RESULTS

Standard ETV was performed successfully in 28 patients. Fourth ventricular exploration (n = 6) and outlet membrane fistulation (n = 2) were carried out. The mean follow-up period was 2.3 years (range: 0.5 - 4.0). The overall success rate was 78.6%.

CONCLUSION

ETV is a viable therapeutic option for FVOO patients. The therapeutic effects of outlet membrane fistulation require further observations.