Percutaneous third ventriculostomy: experience and technique.

A series of stereotaxic percutaneous third ventriculostomies has been carried out on 46 shunt-dependent hydrocephalic children. The technique and results are presented. The advantages of this procedure over the open craniotomy type are discussed. There has been low morbidity and one mortality. The necessity of preoperative shunting to provide a 'slack brain' is emphasized.