Endoscopic Ventriculocisternostomy with Stent Placement for Trapped Temporal Horn

Background: Trapped temporal horn (TTH) is a subtype of focal obstructive hydrocephalus. Although a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a traditional treatment approach, it poses risks of shunt failure and infection. The emergence of neuroendoscopy has led to an increased interest in ventriculocisternostomy as an alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy with stent placement (EVSP) for TTH.

Methods: We collected data of TTH cases treated with EVSP at our institutions between September 2013 and September 2021 and evaluated baseline characteristics and outcomes. A ventricular stoma was created at the medial wall of the abnormally enlarged temporal horn using a neuroendoscope, and a ventricular stent tube with multiple side holes was placed through the stoma to maintain patency.

Results: The study included 10 patients (4 women and 6 men) with a mean age of 56.7 ± 19.7 years. The average follow-up period was 35.0 months (range, 1-96 months). The underlying pathologies were postoperative scarring (5 cases), intraventricular tumor (3 cases), and extraventricular tumor (2 cases). There were no procedural complications; however, one patient experienced recurrence and underwent additional cisternostomy. All patients exhibited partial or complete resolution of the preoperative symptoms and demonstrated shrinkage of the trapped ventricle, with a mean reduction rate of 84.5% ± 14.9%.

Conclusions: EVSP is a safe and feasible option for the treatment of TTH and is a viable alternative to ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.