Hydrocephalus, often called “water on the brain,” is a condition caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles. The traditional and most common treatment is a shunt, a permanent device to drain the fluid. However, for a specific type of hydrocephalus caused by an obstruction, a modern, minimally invasive surgical procedure called Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) offers a groundbreaking alternative.
In Pune, India, Dr. Jaydev Panchwagh is a highly specialized neurosurgeon with expertise in advanced endoscopic brain surgery. He is proficient in performing ETV, providing a shunt-independent, permanent solution for many patients with obstructive hydrocephalus, thereby avoiding the long-term risks associated with a shunt.
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) is a minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure to treat obstructive hydrocephalus. The procedure restores the brain’s natural pathway for CSF flow, eliminating the need for a permanent shunt.
ETV is performed for hydrocephalus caused by a blockage within the brain’s ventricular system. The surgeon creates a new, alternative path for the fluid to bypass the blockage. The procedure is particularly effective for conditions like aqueductal stenosis, colloid cysts, and certain types of brain tumors that block CSF flow.
ETV is a precise procedure performed using a neuro-endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a high-definition camera and a light source.
ETV is a technically challenging procedure that requires a neurosurgeon with a high level of endoscopic and microsurgical skill. Dr. Jaydev Panchwagh in Pune, India, is a top choice for ETV because of his:
Patient-Centric Approach: He provides a thorough evaluation to determine if ETV is the right option for you, offering a personalized treatment plan and discussing all potential risks and benefits.
The success rate of ETV varies depending on the cause of the hydrocephalus, but for suitable candidates, it is very high. When successful, it offers a permanent, shunt-free solution.
Yes, if ETV does not successfully resolve the hydrocephalus, a may remains a viable and effective treatment option to manage the condition.
ETV is a minimally invasive procedure, so recovery is typically very quick. Most patients are discharged from the hospital within 2-3 days and can return to normal activities within a week or two.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy offers a promising, modern, and minimally invasive path to a lasting solution. Dr. Jaydev Panchwagh provides the expertise and compassionate care to help you explore this option.
A distinguished Brain and Spine Surgeon, shaping neurosurgical care in Pune, Maharashtra, India for over two decades.