Endoscopic choroid plexus cauterization versus ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydranencephaly and near hydranencephaly: a prospective study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To prospectively evaluate the results of endoscopic choroid plexus cauterization (ECPC) and ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPSs) in infants with hydranencephaly or near hydranencephaly.

METHODS:

We prospectively collected clinical data from all untreated hydranencephalic and near hydranencephalic children from October 2006 to March 2008. All patients treated were randomly divided into 2 groups, ECPC or VPS, and submitted to either endoscopic choroid plexus cauterization or ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement.

RESULTS:

Seventeen patients were entered into the study. ECPC was completed in 9 patients; the procedure successfully controlled excessive head circumference and signs of increased intracranial pressure in 8 of these patients (88.8%). One endoscopic procedure in a hydranencephalic child failed after 7 months, resulting in VPS placement. Thus, of the 10 patients randomized to ECPC, 8 were treated successfully by ECPC (80%), and 2 went on to have a VPS. There were no complications related to this method of treatment. Seven children were randomized to the VPS group; and of these, 2 patients (28.5%) required shunt revisions during follow-up. There were no complications related to shunt placement. There was no difference in the success rate between patients randomized to ECPC and VPS, but the ECPC was more economical.

CONCLUSION:

ECPC is an acceptable alternative to VPS for treatment of hydranencephaly and near hydranencephaly. It is a single, definitive, safe, effective, and economical treatment that may avoid the complications of shunting.

• Authors: José Augusto Malheiros, Felipe Padovani Trivelato, Marcelo Magaldi Oliveira, Sebastião Gusmão, David Douglas Cochrane, Paul Steinbok
• Journal: Neurosurgery (Neurosurgery) Vol. 66 Issue 3 Pg. 459-64; discussion 464 (Mar 2010) ISSN: 1524-4040 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20173541 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Adult
• Cerebral Ventricles (surgery)
• Choroid Plexus (surgery)
• Endoscopy (methods)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Hydranencephaly (diagnosis, pathology, surgery)
• Male
• Prospective Studies
• Retrospective Studies
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt (methods)