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.