Ventriculostomy
Ventriculostomy is a neurosurgical procedure that involves creating an opening within the cerebral ventricles for drainage. It is often performed to relieve high intracranial pressures.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The procedure is typically performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. A hole is drilled through the skull and a catheter is passed into the ventricle. This allows cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to be drained, either intermittently or continuously.
Indications[edit | edit source]
Ventriculostomy is most commonly performed for hydrocephalus, where there is an accumulation of CSF. This can occur due to a variety of conditions, including brain tumors, subarachnoid hemorrhage, meningitis, or traumatic brain injury.
Complications[edit | edit source]
As with any surgical procedure, ventriculostomy carries potential risks. These include infection, bleeding, and damage to brain tissue. There is also a risk of the catheter becoming blocked, which can lead to a buildup of CSF and increased intracranial pressure.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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