Journal of neurosurgery. Pediatrics
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J Neurosurg Pediatr · Mar 2014
Multicenter StudyThe comparative effectiveness of ventricular shunt placement versus endoscopic third ventriculostomy for initial treatment of hydrocephalus in infants.
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of CSF diversion with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) versus shunt therapy in infants with hydrocephalus. ⋯ In infants with hydrocephalus, a greater 1-year CSF diversion failure rate may occur after ETV compared with shunt placement. This risk is most significant for procedures performed within the first 90 days of life. Further investigation of the need for multiple reoperations, cost, and impact of surgeon and hospital experience is necessary to distinguish which treatment is more effective in the long term.