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Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for Brain Surgery | Treatment for Brain Tumor

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: A Modern Approach to Neurosurgical Care

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: A Modern Approach to Neurosurgical Care

What is Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy?

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.

How Does It Work?

ETV is a precise procedure performed using a neuro-endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a high-definition camera and a light source.

  1. Minimally Invasive Access: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made on the scalp, often behind the hairline, and a tiny hole (called a burr hole) is created in the skull. The neuro-endoscope is then gently guided through the brain’s natural pathways (ventricles) to the third ventricle, where the CSF is pooling.
  2. Creating a New Pathway: Using microsurgical tools passed through the endoscope, the surgeon creates a tiny opening in the floor of the third ventricle. This new opening allows the trapped CSF to flow out of the blocked ventricular system and into the fluid-filled space around the brain (the subarachnoid space), where it can be naturally reabsorbed by the body.
  3. Restoring Natural Function: The procedure essentially “plumbs” a bypass for the CSF, restoring its normal circulation without the need for an implanted mechanical device. Once the new pathway is created, the endoscope is removed, and the small incision is closed.

Watch this Video to Know More about Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy

Why Choose Dr. Jaydev Panchwagh for ETV?

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:

  • Mastery of Endoscopic Neurosurgery: He has specialized training and extensive experience in endoscopic brain surgery, which is crucial for the precision and safety required for ETV.
  • Focus on Shunt-Free Solutions: Dr. Panchwagh understands the potential long-term risks associated with shunts and champions ETV as an ideal, permanent solution for suitable patients.
  • Minimally Invasive Approach: ETV is significantly less invasive than traditional open brain surgery, leading to a shorter hospital stay, less pain, and a faster recovery for the patient.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ETV

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.