Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus coagulation

Cohen Children’s pediatric neurosurgeons will continue to follow up with your child after they turn 21. If further treatment is required, it will be done at a Northwell Health facility for adults, ensuring a smooth transition and continuous care.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is when doctors insert a camera and create a new hole in the bottom of the brain, resulting in a new passageway to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) without having to implant a shunt.

In addition to or in place of this treatment, doctors may perform choroid plexus coagulation, where they use electric current to manipulate the brain to produce drastically less CSF, so that the absorption and production ratio falls back in alignment.

Both are relatively new treatments that involve minimally invasive endoscopic techniques.

A common reason for treatment is hydrocephalus, a condition that is caused by an increase of CSF in and around the brain. Normally, the circulating CSF is constantly replenished and absorbed, so that the amount of fluid inside the brain and skull remains basically constant over the course of a lifetime.

The prep will differ for each treatment technique, and it’s usually minimal. Your doctor will discuss the specifics with you.

Minimally invasive approaches can lead to faster recoveries and less discomfort. Depending on the procedure, some patients go home the day after treatment. These approaches are often quite successful in avoiding shunt placement.