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Neurosurgeon offers minimally invasive treatment of hydrocephalus A minimally invasive procedure performed by a University of Missouri Health Care neurosurgeon is improving the outcomes of hydrocephalus patients, a condition where excess fluid develops on the brain. Usiakimi Igbaseimokumo, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Neurological Surgery at the MU School of Medicine, is using a relatively new surgical procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) to treat hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus occurs when an abnormal amount of cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the ventricles of the brain. The excess fluid can cause the head to enlarge and put added pressure on the brain. “In a healthy person, the cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the core of the brain and flows out to the surface of the brain and spinal cord and is absorbed into the blood stream,” said Igbaseimokumo. “If there is a block in the pathway before the cerebrospinal fluid is absorbed, then there is a build up of pressure on the brain. The condition could lead to headaches, loss of vision, a coma or even death if left untreated.” The condition can occur at any age, but it is most common in infants and children. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, hydrocephalus is believed to affect approximately one in every 500 children. To relieve the pressure, surgeons can implant a mechanical device known as a shunt to divert the excess cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain and into the abdomen where it can be absorbed. The shunt remains in the patient throughout his or her life. However, Igbaseimokumo says shunts can fail and could require patients to undergo multiple surgeries. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is an alternative to inserting a shunt. ETV is an endoscopy procedure where a tiny camera is inserted into the brain to look at the ventricles, allowing surgeons to clear a new pathway for cerebral fluid to flow. Igbaseimokumo says ETV has proven to have a higher success rate with improved patient outcomes. “The endoscopic third ventriculostomy procedure is a much safer, more natural and less expensive way to treat hydrocephalus, with far less risk to the patient in the long term,” said Igbaseimokumo. The ETV surgery can be performed in children and adults, but surgeons usually wait until the child is at least six months old before operating. The procedure usually lasts about 30 minutes, and many patients are able to return home the next day. University of Missouri Health Care’s system of hospitals, clinics and telehealth sites employs approximately 6,000 clinicians, scientists, educators and other health professionals. The system includes University Hospital and Clinics, Children’s Hospital, Columbia Regional Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and University Physicians, all based in Columbia, Mo. The health system also includes a long-term acute care facility, Missouri Rehabilitation Center, in Mount Vernon, Mo. Academic affiliates of the health system include the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Sinclair School of Nursing and School of Health Professions. Other affiliates of the health system include Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia, Mo.; Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Mo., and Cooper County Memorial Hospital in Boonville, Mo. |
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