Clinical value of percutaneous needle trephination (PNT)

Summary In 56 neurosurgical patients 70 percutaneous needle trephinations were performed. This method was mostly used in patients with acute increase of ICP due to occlusive hydrocephalus of various aetiologies. Thanks to the accuracy and exhaustiveness of CT information, and thanks to the simplicity and safety of percutaneous needle trephination, this latter could be more and more used in daily clinical practice as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, for example for the study of adult hydrocephalus, for provisional external ventricular drainage, for treatment of CSF infections, and for ventricular bleedings (also in newborns and premature infants). No serious complication was seen even after prolonged CSF drainage over a period of 41 days. The method of PNT, as described in detail, can be used under sterile conditions at the bedside, on the stretcher in the emergency room, or in the CT or X-ray laboratory. It fulfils the criteria for clinical acceptance: simplicity, low risk, reliability, exactness, and effectiveness.     

Results of routine ventriculostomy with external ventricular drainage for acute hydrocephalus following subarachnoid haemorrhage

Summary We reviewed the results of ventriculostomy with external ventricular drainage in patients with acute hydrocephalus complicating subarachnoid haemorrhage. Of 194 consecutive patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage admitted during the past eight years, 52 (27%) developed hydrocephalus within 72 hours of the ictus. Patients with acute hydrocephalus were in grades III to V (Hunt and Hess) at the time of evaluation and all patients with hydrocephalus underwent ventriculostomy within 24 hours of diagnosis. Twenty-six patients improved within 24 hours of cerebrospinal fluid drainage and 17 of these patients underwent surgery, nine of whom did well (Glasgow Outcome Scale 1 and 2). All 18 patients who did not improve within this period, including one who worsened, died. In eight patients the response to ventriculostomy was considered as undetermined, because of the proximity of the drain insertion to a definitive surgical procedure, and all of them had an excellent outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 1). Of 32 patients in grades IV and V, 17 did not improve and all of them died. Eight of the 15 patients in these grades, who were in the improved or undetermined categories, did well. Five patients (10%) developed meningitis. All patients with this complication had drainage for more than four days. Seven patients (14%) had a rebleed during the drainage. All except one patient with a rebleed had no surgery or delayed surgery and in six of them recurrent haemorrhages occurred after more than 24 hours of drainage.We conclude that routine ventriculostomy with external ventricular drainage should be considered for all patients with altered sensorium and acute hydrocephalus following subarachnoid haemorrhage. The complications of ventriculostomy can be reduced if it is followed by early definitive surgery. No benefit is derived by prolonging the drainage beyond 24 hours in patients in grades IV and V if there has been no improvement in this period, and prolonged drainage may contribute to recurrent haemorrhages and meningitis.     

Needle fixing device for percutaneous needle trephination

Summary The author describes a device for the fixation of the needle, instead of plaster, in percutaneous needle trephination (PNT) for continuous measurement of ventricular ICP or for external ventricular drainage.     

Infectious risk from ventriculostomy]

Ventriculostomy is a useful technique for the management of acute hydrocephalus or increased intracranial pressure. The mean rate of ventricular infections is 10%. This risk can be decreased by selecting indications, adherence to aseptic insertion techniques, avoiding CSF leakage, tunneling the catheter, using closed systems and limiting line manipulations. Duration of ventriculostomy drainage remains controversial, as well as systematic change of drain every five days of drainage. The value of local or general prophylactic antibiotic treatment remains to be substantiated.     

Chronic subdural hematoma as a complication of endoscopic third ventriculostomy

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy has become a popular alternative to ventricular shunts for noncommunicating hydrocephalus. Although endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a safe procedure, several complications related to this procedure have been reported in the literature. The authors present a rare case of symptomatic bilateral subdural hematomas after an uneventful endoscopic third ventriculostomy. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 51-year-old male patient presented with symptoms of obstructive hydrocephalus, headaches and memory disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated hydrocephalus secondary to aqueductal stenosis. An endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed. The patient was discharged home in several days without complication. He then presented with headaches 3 weeks following surgery. A computed tomography study demonstrated bilateral subdural hematomas. These were treated with burr hole evacuation and drainage. Postoperatively, his headaches improved. At last follow-up he remains symptom-free and has radiographic evidence of a patent ventriculostomy. CONCLUSION: This case confirms chronic subdural hematoma formation is a possible complication following third ventriculostomy. Patients should be followed closely for possible subdural hematoma formation.     

Death after late failure of third ventriculostomy in children. Report of three cases

Late failure following successful third ventriculostomy for obstructive hydrocephalus is rare, and death caused by failure of a previously successful third ventriculostomy has been reported only once. The authors present three patients who died as a result of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) after late failure of a third ventriculostomy. Through a collaborative effort, three patients were identified who had died following third ventriculostomy at one of the authors' institutions. A 13-year-old girl with neurofibromatosis Type 1 underwent third ventriculostomy for obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a tectal lesion. Three years later her condition deteriorated rapidly over the course of 6 hours and she was found dead at home. A 4-year-old boy treated with third ventriculostomy for aqueductal stenosis presented 2 years postoperatively with symptoms of increased ICP. This patient suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest while under observation and died despite external ventricular drainage. A 10-year-old boy with previous ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement underwent conversion to a third ventriculostomy and shunt removal. Eight months after the procedure his condition deteriorated. with evidence of raised ICP, and he underwent emergency insertion of another VP shunt, but remained in a vegetative state and died of complications. Neuropathological examinations in two cases demonstrated that the third ventriculostomy was not patent, and there was also evidence of increased ICP. Late failure of third ventriculostomy resulting in death is a rare complication. Delay in recognition of recurrent ICP symptoms and a false feeling of security on the part of family and caregivers because of the absence of a shunt and the belief that the hydrocephalus has been cured may contribute to fatal complications after third ventriculostomy. Patients with third ventriculostomies should be followed in a manner similar to patients with cerebrospinal fluid shunts.     

A long-term ventricular drainage for patients with germ cell tumors or medulloblastoma

BACKGROUND: Hydrocephalus associated with intracranial germ cell tumors or disseminated medulloblastoma has been treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt. However, this procedure has a potential risk of intraperitoneal metastasis of these brain tumors. To prevent this potential risk and to minimize the risk of infection, we developed a percutaneous long-tunneled ventricular drainage (PLTVD). To confirm the effectiveness, we retrospectively analyzed the results of this procedure. METHODS: From 1979 to 2003, we have treated 96 patients with germ cell tumors and medulloblastoma in our hospital. Of 96 patients, 59 (germ cell tumor, 31; medulloblastoma, 28) had hydrocephalus and 13 needed long-term cerebrospinal fluid drainage to manage the obstructive hydrocephalus due to persistent tumor or communicating hydrocephalus due to dissemination. We performed PLTVD for these cases using a flow-controlled shunt device and percutaneous long-tunneled shunt tube (peritoneal catheter) exiting at the upper abdomen and connecting to a closed drainage system. The occurrence of extraneural metastasis and the incidence of infection were evaluated. RESULTS: The average duration of drainage was 74 days (range, 34-115 days). All 13 cases received full-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy without infectious complications or extraneural metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous long-tunneled ventricular drainage was an effective method to manage long-lasting obstructive or communicating hydrocephalus with germ cell tumors and medulloblastoma.     

Severe parkinsonism following endoscopic third ventriculostomy for non-communicating hydrocephalus--case report

A 23-year-old male with non-communicating hydrocephalus caused by intraventricular hemorrhage from an arteriovenous malformation was treated by endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) after repeated ventricular cerebrospinal fluid drainage and removal of ventriculoperitoneal shunt due to infection. Postoperatively, the patient developed robust rigidity and akinesia with mutism, suggesting secondary parkinsonism. These symptoms showed marked improvement after administration of levodopa, and were not aggravated after discontinuation. The pathophysiology of this case might involve dysfunction of the dopaminergic system caused by repeated compression and release of the paraventricular white matter. Careful perioperative management not leading to excessive dilation of the the ventricles should be considered for ETV for non-communicating hydrocephalus to avoid this unexpected complication.     

Postoperative hydrocephalus in cranial base surgery

The incidence of postoperative hydrocephalus and factors relating to it were analyzed in 257 patients undergoing cranial base surgery for tumor resection. A total of 21 (8%) patients developed postoperative hydrocephalus, and all required shunting, Forty-two (17%) patients developed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak that required placement of external drainage systems (ventriculostomy or lumbar drain, or both); 10 (23%) of these 42 patients eventually needed shunt placement to stop the leak because of hydrocephalus. Prior craniotomy, prior radiation therapy, and postoperative CSF infection were also associated with an increased risk of developing hydrocephalus (48% versus 6%, 19% versus 8%, and 14% versus 7%, respectively). Prior radiation and postoperative CSF infection increased the risk of CSF leak in patients with hydrocephalus (30% versus 18% and 30% versus 9%, respectively). CSF leak and hydrocephalus commonly occurred in patients who underwent resection of a glomus tumor. In conclusion, 8% of patients who underwent cranial base surgery for tumors developed de novo hydrocephalus; half of them also had CSF leak in addition to hydrocephalus; and all required shunt placement for CSF diversion.     

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for management of obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to supratentorial intraventricular hematoma. Case report

We report two cases of intraventricular hematoma with obstructive hydrocephalus. We perform endoscopic treatment of the hydrocephalus: aspiration of the hematoma associated with a third ventriculostomy. Both patients respectively aged 59 and 74 years had an obstructive hydrocephalus due to intraventricular hemorrage. The patient neurological status worsen at day 6 for patient No. 1 and at day 4 for patient No. 2. Endoscopic ventriculoscopy was performed respectively at day 6 and at day 5. Operatively, immediate vision was poor but was progressively improved by repetitive irrigation with Ringer-lactate (RL). Obstruction of the right Monro foramen by clot was observed. Introduction of the neuroendoscope into the third ventricle was possible after suction of the hematoma. Perforation of the floor of the third ventricle was performed after identification of the mammillary bodies and the infundibulum. Neurological status recovered within 10 days after surgery and the patients were referred to a medical unit. The patients were independent at home. The one-year MRI follow-up study showed a functional acqueduc in case 1 and a non-functional acqueduc in case 2 indicating in this case that the ventriculocisternotomy was useful. Intraventricular hematoma is not a contraindication for endoscopic third ventriculostomy. If possible, waiting for 6 or 5 days to allow the structuring of the blood clot and using large irrigation RL may facilitate the endoscopic procedure. This indication for endoscopic third ventriculostomy constitutes an alternative to external ventricular drainage which is significatively associated with complication (infection and obstruction). We cannot affirm that the removal of the clots and ventriculocisternostomy versus temporary external drainage avoids secondary hydrocephalus.     

Postoperative Hydrocephalus in Cranial Base Surgery

The incidence of postoperative hydrocephalus and factors relating to it were analyzed in 257 patients undergoing cranial base surgery for tumor resection. A total of 21 (8%) patients developed postoperative hydrocephalus, and all required shunting, Forty-two (17%) patients developed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak that required placement of external drainage systems (ventriculostomy or lumbar drain, or both); 10 (23%) of these 42 patients eventually needed shunt placement to stop the leak because of hydrocephalus. Prior craniotomy, prior radiation therapy, and postoperative CSF infection were also associated with an increased risk of developing hydrocephalus (48% versus 6%, 19% versus 8%, and 14% versus 7%, respectively). Prior radiation and postoperative CSF infection increased the risk of CSF leak in patients with hydrocephalus (30% versus 18% and 30% versus 9%, respectively). CSF leak and hydrocephalus commonly occurred in patients who underwent resection of a glomus tumor. In conclusion, 8% of patients who underwent cranial base surgery for tumors developed de novo hydrocephalus; half of them also had CSF leak in addition to hydrocephalus; and all required shunt placement for CSF diversion.     

Provision of a neuroendoscopy service. The Southampton experience

BACKGROUND: A series of 21 patients (aged 1 week to 80 years) underwent a total of 22 neuroendoscopic procedures in our Unit in the period July 1993 to January 1996. METHODS: The procedures were performed by one surgeon familiar with the technique using the Stortz rigid neuroendoscope system. The most common indication for neuroendoscopy was obstructive hydrocephalus. The most frequently performed procedure was third ventriculostomy and tumor biopsy. The intended surgical procedure was successfully performed in all but two of the cases (attempted septostomy and internal cyst drainage) were both abandoned due to unrecognisable anatomy. RESULTS: Of the 19 patients treated by fenestration or ventriculostomy to relieve hydrocephalus, 5 eventually required definitive shunting procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Complications relating directly to the neuroendoscopy occurred in 2 patients (bleeding requiring temporary external ventricular drain) and there were no surgical deaths.     

Use of a microvascular Doppler probe to avoid basilar artery injury during endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Technical note.

Basilar artery (BA) injury has been reported in a number of cases as a major complication of third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus. This report describes the deployment of a pulsed-wave microvascular Doppler probe through the endoscope to locate the BA complex and subsequently to select a safe zone for perforation of the third ventricular floor. This procedure is quick and easily learned, and it is hoped that it can decrease the risk of vascular injury during third ventriculostomy.     

Management of hydrocephalus in pediatric patients with posterior fossa tumors: the role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

OBJECT: The authors undertook a study to evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the management of hydrocephalus before and after surgical intervention for posterior fossa tumors in children. METHODS: Between October 1, 1993, and December 31, 1997, a total of 206 consecutive children with posterior fossa tumors underwent surgery at H?pital Necker-Enfants Malades in Paris. Excluded were 10 patients in whom shunts had been placed at the referring hospital. The medical records and neuroimaging studies of the remaining 196 patients were reviewed and categorized into three groups: Group A, 67 patients with hydrocephalus present on admission in whom endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed prior to tumor removal; Group B, 82 patients with hydrocephalus who did not undergo preliminary third ventriculostomy but instead received conventional treatment; and Group C, 47 patients in whom no ventricular dilation was present on admission. There were no significant differences between patients in Group A or B with respect to the following variables: age at presentation, evidence of metastatic disease, extent of tumor resection, or follow-up duration. In patients in Group A, however, more severe hydrocephalus was demonstrated (p < 0.01): the patients in Group C were in this respect different from those in the other two groups. Ultimately, there were only four patients (6%) in Group A compared with 22 patients (26.8%) in Group B (p = 0.001) in whom progressive hydrocephalus required treatment following removal of the posterior fossa tumor. Sixteen patients (20%) in Group B underwent insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, which is similar to the incidence reported in the literature and significantly different from that demonstrated in Group A (p < 0.016). The other six patients (7.3%) were treated by endoscopic third ventriculostomy after tumor resection. In Group C, two patients (4.3%) with postoperative hydrocephalus underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy. In three patients who required placement of CSF shunts several episodes of shunt malfunction occurred that were ultimately managed by endoscopic third ventriculostomy and definitive removal of the shunt. There were no deaths; however, there were four cases of transient morbidity associated with third ventriculostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Third ventriculostomy is feasible even in the presence of posterior fossa tumors (including brainstem tumors). When performed prior to posterior fossa surgery, it significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative hydrocephalus. The procedure provides a valid alternative to placement of a permanent shunt in cases in which hydrocephalus develops following posterior fossa surgery, and it may negate the need for the shunt in cases in which the shunt malfunctions. Furthermore, in patients in whom CSF has caused spread of the tumor at presentation, third ventriculostomy allows chemotherapy to be undertaken prior to tumor excision by controlling hydrocephalus. Although the authors acknowledge that the routine application of third ventriculostomy in selected patients results in a proportion of patients undergoing an "unnecessary" procedure, they believe that because patients' postoperative courses are less complicated and because the incidence of morbidity is low and the success rate is high in those patients with severe hydrocephalus that further investigation of this protocol is warranted.     

A comparison of Espocan and Tuohy needles for the combined spinal-epidural technique for labor analgesia

When using the needle-through-needle combined spinal-epidural (CSE) technique for labor analgesia, failure to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), paresthesias, and intrathecal or intravascular migration of the catheter are of concern. Epidural needles with spinal needle apertures, such as the back-hole Espocan (ES) needles, are available and may reduce these risks. We describe the efficacy and adverse events associated with a modified epidural needle (ES) versus a conventional Tuohy needle for CSE. One-hundred parturients requesting labor analgesia (CSE) were randomized into 2 groups: 50-ES 18-gauge modified epidural needle with 27-gauge Pencan atraumatic spinal needle, 50-conventional 18-gauge Tuohy needle with 27-gauge Gertie Marx atraumatic spinal needle. Information on intrathecal or intravascular catheter placement, paresthesia on introduction of spinal needle, failure to obtain CSF through the spinal needle after placement of epidural needle, unintentional dural puncture, and epidural catheter function was obtained. No intrathecal catheter placement occurred in either group. Rates of intravascular catheter placement and unintentional dural puncture were similar between the groups. Significant differences were noted regarding spinal needle-induced paresthesia (14% ES versus 42% Tuohy needles, P = 0.009) and failure to obtain CSF on first attempt (8% ES versus 28% Tuohy needles, P < 0.02). Use of ES needles for CSE significantly reduces paresthesia associated with the insertion of the spinal needle and is associated with more frequent successful spinal needle placement on the first attempt. IMPLICATIONS: The use of modified epidural needles with a back hole for combined spinal-epidural technique significantly reduces paresthesia associated with the insertion of the spinal needle and is associated with more frequent successful spinal needle placement on the first attempt.     

Is skin disinfection with 10% povidone iodine sufficient to prevent epidural needle and catheter contamination?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epidural space infection is a potential complication of epidural catheter placement. In this study, we investigated the incidence of epidural needle and catheter contamination after skin surface disinfection with 10% povidone-iodine (PI). METHODS: Sixty seven patients having surgery under epidural anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective study. After preparation with 10% PI, skin swab cultures were taken from the site of catheter insertion. Epidural needles were cultured immediately after epidural catheters were placed. Catheters were removed at 48 hours and 2 to 3 cm of the distal tips were cultured as well. RESULTS: Fifty-six skin swabs, 52 epidural needles, and 48 catheters were cultured. Although only 3.5% (2) colonization was observed on skin surface cultures, 34.6% (18) of the epidural needles and 45.8% (22) of the catheters were colonized. No systemic or local infection was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that despite skin surface disinfection with PI, there is still significant risk for contamination of needles and catheters during epidural catheterization.     

Ventricle puncture for external CSF drainage and pressure measurement using a modified puncture needle

Summary A modified needle for external ventricular drainage is presented. Contrary to conventional spinal needles with this instrument the sharp guide can be withdrawn after penetration of the dura, thus, no sharp instrument affects the brain, nor remains within the ventricles in cases of continuous drainage. Furthermore, depth of penetration can be determined preoperatively by means of a set screw also facilitating fixation of the needle. To date, we have used this modified needle in 50 patients for short or long term CSF drainage and for CSF pressure measurements. Trephination was performed with a hand or battery-driven drill. Except for an infection in one case we found no serious complications in our patients. In our opinion, ventricle puncture for external drainage and pressure measurement with this device is a simple and safe method and can be performed on the ward under local anaesthesia.     

Percutaneous needle trephination for external CSF drainage: experience with 226 punctures

We report on our experience with 226 percutaneous needle trephinations in a total of 192 consecutive patients. Trephination was performed with a hand-driven drill. A special puncture needle was inserted into the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle. The main indication for this procedure was the treatment of occlusive hydrocephalus in an emergency. Duration of drainage ranged from 1 to 34 days and was 7 days on the average. We encountered 14 cases of infection (6.2%) and one case of symptomatic bleeding (0.4%). All these complications eventually resolved without permanent sequelae. In our opinion, ventricle puncture with this device is a simple and effective method and can especially be recommended for external CSF drainage in cases of emergency.     

Routine placement of a ventricular reservoir at endoscopic third ventriculostomy

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) failure may be abrupt in onset, causing a potentially life-threatening increase in intracranial pressure. ETV failure may also have a more insidious onset, and in these cases, diagnosis on clinical and radiological grounds can be difficult. This study evaluates the usefulness of routine ventricular reservoir placement at the time of ETV for subsequent emergency ventricular access or the diagnosis of ETV failure. METHODS: A retrospective review of 84 consecutive patients undergoing ETV with routine insertion of a ventricular reservoir during a 4-year period (1996-2000) was undertaken. The mean follow-up period was 14.8 months. End points for ETV failure were shunt insertion or revision of ETV. The diagnostic and therapeutic use of the reservoir was quantified. RESULTS: The reservoir was used in 32% of patients (n = 27). The reservoir allowed life-saving emergency ventricular access in two cases of acute recurrent hydrocephalus. In patients with symptoms but equivocal radiological evidence of recurrent hydrocephalus, the reservoir allowed for assessment of intracranial pressure (n = 19) and/or a therapeutic trial of cerebrospinal fluid aspiration (n = 5). Seven of these patients subsequently required revision ETV or shunt insertion. In the 14 patients who had normal intracranial pressure, conservative management was successful. The reservoir also facilitated intrathecal drug administration for postoperative ventriculitis (n = 2). No patients requested reservoir removal. CONCLUSION: Routine insertion of a ventricular reservoir allows life-saving emergency therapeutic cerebrospinal fluid aspiration to be performed for sudden neurological deterioration caused by ventriculostomy failure. It also assists in the diagnosis of ETV failure and allows intrathecal drug administration.     

Technical Note: External Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Drainage by Percutaneous Needle Punction in Newborn Children

Summary  External drainage of CSF in children is indicated in acute hydrocephalus e.g. after intraventricular bleeding or infection. In these cases the drainage has to remain in place until physiological CSF circulation is restored or an internal shunt can be inserted. External drainage is mostly performed using a silicon catheter connected to a plastic bag. An external CSF drainage left for several days in situ bears an increasing risk of bacterial infection. In these cases a metal needle minimizes the risk of ventriculitis.  For prevention of accompanying infection we implanted a Cytocan^R port needle with a 20 G diameter in 7 infants. The needle is easily inserted with low risk of complications. By its plastic top angulated at 90° to the needle the system can be fixed to the skin very safely by suture or tape.  With this system neither an implantation related intracerebral haemorrhage nor an accompanying ventriculitis was encountered. In two cases a pre-existing ventriculitis was cured by this needle drainage and antibiotic treatment. In five cases an acute hydrocephalus after intraventricular haemorrhage was drained by the port needle system.