Loculated ventricles and isolated compartments in hydrocephalus: their pathophysiology and the efficacy of neuroendoscopic surgery.

The neuroendoscopic procedures applied inpatients with isolated compartments, including IUH, LV, IFV, IRF, and multiloculated ventricles were foramen of Monro reconstruction, septostomy, septal wall removal, cyst wall fenestration, fourth ventriculostomy, and endoscopic shunt placement. It was found that the operative goal, creating a state of arrested hydrocephalus, could be achieved by communicating the trapped space to the rest of the ventricular system, opening the ventricular isolation. The associated hydrocephalus could not always be managed endoscopically, however, and shunting of the ventricular system was frequently required, especially in infants. This may be because of the immaturity of the subarachnoid CSF dynamics in infants. What does seem to be logical is to continue to consider managing these conditions with the assistance of the endoscope.