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

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

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

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

• Neurosurgery
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Intracranial pressure