Endoscopic aqueductoplasty: technique and results.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of endoscopic aqueductoplasty in patients with hydrocephalus caused by aqueductal stenosis. The controversy of third ventriculostomy and aqueductoplasty is discussed.
METHODS: A series of 17 patients who underwent endoscopic aqueductoplasty is reported. Rigid rod-lens scopes were used for inspecting the aqueductal entry and performing balloon aqueductoplasty. With the aid of a 2.5-mm flexible endoscope, the aqueduct and fourth ventricle were explored and aqueductal membranous obstructions were perforated. Third ventriculostomies were performed simultaneously in nine patients. One aqueductal stent was inserted. In six patients, frameless computerized neuronavigation was used for an accurate approach to the aqueduct. The average duration of the endoscopic procedures was 59 minutes (range, 25-100 min).
RESULTS: There was no endoscopy-related mortality. Surgical complications included an asymptomatic fornix contusion and two injuries to the aqueductal roof, which resulted in permanent diplopia due to dysconjugate eye movement (one patient) and transient trochlear palsy (one patient). In addition, two patients developed transient dysconjugate eye movements, and one patient had an asymptomatic epidural hematoma. Eleven patients showed improvement in their symptoms. The conditions of five patients were unchanged. One patient died of stroke 1 month after the operation. No patient required shunting. The ventricles decreased in size in nine patients and were unchanged in the remaining eight patients.
CONCLUSION: Endoscopic aqueductoplasty is an effective alternative to third ventriculostomy for the treatment of hydrocephalus caused by short aqueductal stenosis. However, longer follow-up periods are necessary to evaluate long-term aqueductal patency after aqueductoplasty.