A role for endoscopy in the placement of ventriculoperitoneal shunts.

Compartmentalization of the lateral ventricle may prevent adequate functioning of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. We recently treated a patient with postinfectious hydrocephalus who required bilateral shunts. In addition, the left ventricle was shown to contain a large noncommunicating cyst. Prior to placement of the shunt, ventriculoscopy was performed and a channel established surgically between the cyst and the remainder of the ventricular system. Application of this new interventional technique may be indicated in complicated cases of compartmentalized hydrocephalus.