Introduction: Endoscopic techniques are being increasingly used in the management of various neurosurgical pathologies, in recent times. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a well accepted mode of treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus of various etiologies. Success rate of endoscopic third ventriculostomy is poor in posthemorrhagic, postinfective hydrocephalus. It is safe in correctly selected cases. Good preoperative planning, appropriate imaging, surgeons experience and good postoperative care help in successful results. The purpose of this study was to define the success rate of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus.

Aim of the Study: The purpose of this study is to determine the success rate of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus in our Institution.

Materials and Methods: Patients with triventricular hydrocephalus secondary to posterior fossa lesions, brain stem gliomas, CP angle tumours, pineal tumours, aqueductal stenosis and patients with blocked shunts inserted for triventricular hydrocephalus were included. Patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus, postsubarachnoid haemorrhage hydrocephalus and age less than 2 years were excluded.

Results: A total of 52 patients with hydrocephalus were treated by the Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) procedure. There were 26 males and 26 females with age ranging from 2 years to 69 years and with a mean age of 30 years. Successful outcome was seen in almost 75% of patients (39 cases), while 13.5% of patients (7 cases) required VP shunt. Clinical and radiological improvement was observed in 2 patients (5.1%) and clinical improvement was observed in alone in 37 patients (94.9%) in final followup review of endoscopic third ventriculostomy functioning cases.

Conculsion: From this study, it can be concluded that endoscopic third ventriculostomy is the first line surgical procedure which is safe, fast and effective for treating obstructive hydrocephalus.The procedure is successful in 75% of cases. The success rate is highly dependent on the underlying pathology regardless of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV), Obstructive Hydrocephalus, Posterior fossa tumour, Aqueductal stenosis the age of patients.

Keywords: Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV).