Endoscopic Route for Excision of Intraventricular Neurocysticercosis: Light at the End of the Tunnel.

BACKGROUND

Poor sanitation, poor hygiene, and archaic cooking practices have led to neurocysticercosis (NCC) being endemic in India. Apart from a cortical location that leads to seizures, intraventricular NCC can present with hydrocephalus and sudden deterioration in sensorium. Consequently, endoscopic excision plays an important role in its treatment because a dilated ventricle offers a minimally invasive and less traumatic route to the pathology.

METHODS

All endoscopically excised intraventricular NCC cases operated were retrospectively analyzed from 2014 to 2017, discussing surgical nuances and postoperative outcome.

RESULTS

Twelve such cases were found (mean age, 21.9 ± 8.36 years; 9 men and 3 women). The mean follow-up period was 21.17 ± 13.96 months (range, 2-40 months). The most common site was the aqueduct and fourth ventricle.

CONCLUSIONS

An endoscopic approach is a feasible and safe tool for treating this disease. Technical nuances such as entry point and trajectory of endoscope need to be kept in mind while operating.