ENDOSCOPIC THIRD VENTRICULOSTOMY
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) is a minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure that serves as an alternative to traditional shunt systems in treating certain types of hydrocephalus. This treatment works by creating a new pathway for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to escape the ventricles of the brain, helping to alleviate the pressure build-up that characterizes this condition.
What is Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)?
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) is a procedure that uses a small video camera (an endoscope) to visualize the ventricular system in the brain. Instead of implanting a device (a shunt), the neurosurgeon makes a small hole at the bottom of the third ventricle allowing CSF to flow out of the brain, bypassing any obstructions.
The ETV Procedure: What to Expect?
The ETV procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The neurosurgeon inserts the endoscope through a small hole in the skull and into the ventricular system. Once in the third ventricle, a small opening is created to allow CSF to bypass the obstruction and flow towards the reabsorption sites at the base of the brain.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for ETV?
Not everyone with hydrocephalus is a candidate for ETV. It is generally most effective in patients whose hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage (obstructive or non-communicating hydrocephalus). Factors such as age, cause of hydrocephalus, and previous shunt presence can affect the suitability and success rate of the procedure.
Benefits and Risks of ETV
The major benefit of ETV is that it eliminates the need for a shunt, avoiding complications associated with shunts such as infection, over-drainage, and mechanical failure. Moreover, ETV, being minimally invasive, usually results in less pain and a quicker recovery period than traditional surgeries.
However, like any surgical procedure, ETV has risks. These include potential failure of the procedure (necessitating a repeat ETV or a shunt), infection, bleeding, and short-term memory difficulties. Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) represents a significant advancement in the treatment of hydrocephalus. It offers a shunt-free solution that can dramatically improve the quality of life for individuals living with this condition.
Why Choose Us?
At Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye, we have been providing top-quality neurosurgical treatment options for almost a decade under the guidance and leadership of Op. Dr. Özgür Akşan. Our team is comprised of highly experienced and skilled surgeons, including Dr. Özgür Akşan, Dr. Nail Özdemir, and Dr. Feryal Akşan, all of them having more than 20 years of experience in medicine.
We offer a wide range of treatment options for various neurosurgical conditions, including herniated discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, cervical disc herniation, Chiari malformation, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. Our team is highly skilled in performing advanced neurosurgical procedures, such as microsurgical discectomy, endoscopic discectomy, spinal fusion instrumentation, craniotomy, craniectomy, gamma-knife radiation therapy, and many more.
At Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye, we are committed to providing personalized care and tailored treatment plans for each patient based on their unique needs and medical history. Our clinic in Izmir is equipped with the latest technology and we are working with private hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the highest level of care for our patients.
Choose Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye for your neurosurgical needs and experience the expertise and care of our highly trained team of neurosurgeons, led by Dr. Özgür Akşan himself.