Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in the Treatment of Late-Onset Idiopathic Aqueductal Stenosis: Outcome Evaluation

Background: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is the shunt-independent surgical treatment for hydrocephalus caused by late-onset aqueductal idiopathic stenosis. This study aims to evaluate the outcome of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in late-onset idiopathic aqueductal stenosis. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 15 patients (nine males and six females) with hydrocephalus due to late-onset idiopathic aqueductal stenosis in whom endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed. Different factors affecting the outcome were analyzed. Results: Twelve patients in our study had a chronic clinical history (class III), and three cases had subacute symptoms (class II). Success was obtained in 14 patients (93.3%) while failure was reported only in one patient (6.7%). The postoperative images showed radiological improvement in 14 patients but did not reach normal size. Conclusion: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a safe, effective, and highly successful procedure in the treatment of hydrocephalus due to late-onset idiopathic aqueductal stenosis. Clinical history and technical aspects of endoscopic third ventriculostomy are the most essential factors that affect the outcome.