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Neurology (Expert Forum)
endoscopic 3 rd. ventriculostomy
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endoscopic 3 rd. ventriculostomy
by Rokark, Oct 20, 2001 12:00AM
I had a head injury after which I developed hydrocephalus and I have had 3 VP shunt on left and two revision on the rt. side all in a matter of four months.All the shunts have been functioning well for 2 to 3 weeks and I am near normal.Each time there is no infection, but the CSF does not appear so clear. Besides sometimes the protein count is a little high.The second shunt on the right side is showing signs of blockage. 1) What are the probable causes of shunt blockage? 2) How many times can a shunt be revised? 3)will third ventriculostomy be the right choice? 4) Will this have a risk of blockage? 5)Is the endoscopic surgery better than the direct interventional approach?
looking forward to your answers
thank you,
Rokark.
looking forward to your answers
thank you,
Rokark.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Oct 21, 2001 12:00AM
Sorry to hear about your shunt problems. It's ok to have increased protein in the CSF becuase of the presence of hardware, but not ok to have an infection. To answer your questions:
1.Infection, bleeding, tumor, overproduction of CSF, occlusion of the tip of the cathether, and shunt malfunction-common (intrinsic to the hardware).
2.I have seen patients with multiple revisions, but I don't think there's an exact number. It depends on what's wrong with the shunt and where the problem is. Of course, if it's infected, the whole thing comes out.
3.Can't answer that. You'll have to talk to your neurosurgeon.
4.Yes, nothing in medicine is 100%
5.The endoscopic procedure is the standard technique in most places right now. CT guided stereotactic surgery has also been done, but you'll have to talk to your neurosurgeon about his/her particular approach and their personal complication rate.
Good luck
1.Infection, bleeding, tumor, overproduction of CSF, occlusion of the tip of the cathether, and shunt malfunction-common (intrinsic to the hardware).
2.I have seen patients with multiple revisions, but I don't think there's an exact number. It depends on what's wrong with the shunt and where the problem is. Of course, if it's infected, the whole thing comes out.
3.Can't answer that. You'll have to talk to your neurosurgeon.
4.Yes, nothing in medicine is 100%
5.The endoscopic procedure is the standard technique in most places right now. CT guided stereotactic surgery has also been done, but you'll have to talk to your neurosurgeon about his/her particular approach and their personal complication rate.
Good luck
Member Comments (2)
by Rokark, Oct 22, 2001 12:00AM
thank you for your prompt response. It just gives some idea as to which direction one should go. I hope that all in this position is able to avail of this facility and know of the options open for patients. the message here is try try and try again and one day success will come your way and you will be alright.
