Pragati Ganjoo

Endoscopic observations of blocked ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt: a step toward better understanding of shunt obstruction and its removal

Abstract Objectives. Most of our understanding of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt blockage (ventricular end) is based on in vitro studies of blocked VP shunts. Not much information is available regarding the in vivo changes that occur in the tube and in the surrounding ventricle. The primary aim of our study was to observe and analyse these changes, directly, through the endoscope, in patients with blocked shunts undergoing an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). Based on these findings, we have also suggested criteria for safe removal of the VP shunt tube following ETV. Material and methods. ETV was performed with standard technique in patients with blocked VP shunt. The ventricular end of the shunt tube was inspected through the endoscope, for changes in ventricle linings as well as in the shunt tube. These changes were correlated with the age of the patient, etiology of HC, type or make of the shunt tube, duration of shunt placement to ETV and the CSF findings. Results. Fifty-three patients of blocked VP shunt underwent ETV from July 2006 to April 2010. Thirty patients had Chhabra (CH) V P Shunt (Surgiwear, India) and 23 had ceredrain (CD) shunt (Hindustan Latex, India). The age of the patients ranged from 2 months to 60 years (mean – 13.33 years.). Various causes of hydrocephalus (HC) included congenital hydrocephalus (aqueductal stenosis) in 18 patients, post-meningitis hydrocephalus (PMH) in 32 cases, neuro-cysticercosis (NCC) in 2 patients and intraventricular haemorrhagic (IVH) in 1 patient. Clinical and radiological improvement occurred in 33 (62.21%), and 24 (45%) patients, respectively. Freedom from shunt was attained in 20 (38%) patients. The changes around the shunt tube were seen in 41 (77%). Hyperaemia and neovascularised ependyma was seen in 20 (37%) and 15 (28%) patients. Encasement of the tube was seen in 41%. Ependymal growth and neovascularised shunt tubes were noticed in 15% each. Choroid plexus blocking the tube was seen in only four cases (7%). VP shunt was revised in 14 patients (26.4%). Patient with infective etiology had more changes (p < 0.005). Age, CSF findings and make of shunt tube had no relation with endoscopic observations (p< 0.02). Conclusions. ETV has a role in shunt failures. It can offer patient a chance of shunt free life. Endoscopic observation of shunt tube and ventricle can unfold several interesting in vivo findings pertaining to shunt obstruction. Shunt should only be removed if there are no adhesions and neovascularisation.

Ostomy closure and the role of repeat endoscopic third ventriculostomy (re-ETV) in failed ETV procedures

BACKGROUND Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has replaced shunt surgery for several indications. Failure of ETV secondary to restenosis can result in recurrence of symptoms of raised intracranial pressure. OBJECTIVE To analyze the rates of restenosis due to ostomy closure and factors resulting in failures and to assess the role of re-ETV in such cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Re-ETV was performed after counselling and obtaining informed consent. The technique of re-ETV was essentially the same as in primary ETV. Video analysis of primary ETV was performed before selecting a patient for re-ETV. Factors analyzed included age, gender, etiology of hydrocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, presence of shunt tube and adequacy of ETV and bleeding at the time of ETV. RESULTS Thirty-two patients underwent re-ETV. The mean interval between the first ETV and re-ETV was 1.4 years (3 days to 2.9 years). Overall failure of ETV due to restenosis was 8.78%. The technical success rate of performing re-ETV was 93.2%. The overall clinical recovery following surgery was observed in 89% of the patients, three from early and 25 from delayed ETV failures. The radiological recovery was seen in 20 (63%) patients. The good flow of CSF via the re-ETV site was documented with cine mode magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in seven patients. Unlike primary ETV, the success of re-ETV in children aged less than 2 years was 90% (P < 0.005). There were 56.25% failure of ETV in patients with previous infection or foreign body within the ventricle (P < 0.001). While the chances of restenosis were high in the procedure with some infections, the outcome was equally better. Gender of the patients and CSF findings had no influence on ostomy closure. CONCLUSIONS re-ETV can be considered in carefully selected patients of failed ETV. It is more useful in delayed ETV failures and can be offered before a patient is advised VP shunt.

Guide wire loss during central venous cannulation

Indian Journal of Anaesthesia | Vol. 54| Issue 6 | Nov-Dec 2010 It is well known that contamination of the anaesthesia work area with potential bacterial pathogens and blood occurs intraoperatively[1] following general anaesthesia. It has been demonstrated that bacterial contamination occurs early (within as little as 4 min) and is unrelated to factors of case duration, urgency, or patient American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status. Contamination with saliva represents a potential risk, since saliva is the main vehicle of infection for nonparenteral transmission of hepatitis-B.[2] Bacterial transfer to patients is associated with the variable aseptic practice of anaesthesia personnel. Placing the laryngoscope blade in a container (e.g. a kidney tray) following intubation with subsequent contamination of the anaesthesia work area is unwanted but not an uncommon feature in the operation theatre.

Surgery for brain abscess in children with cyanotic heart disease: An anesthetic challenge

Context: Patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (cCHD) are prone to develop frequent brain abscesses. Surgery for these abscesses is often limited to aspiration under local anesthesia because excision under general anesthesia (GA) is considered a riskier option. Perioperative hemodynamic instability, cyanotic spells, coagulation defects, electrolyte and acid base imbalance, and sudden cardiac arrest are among the major anesthetic concerns. Most of our current knowledge in this area has been gained from a neurosurgical standpoint while there is a paucity of corresponding anesthesia literature. Aims: To highlight the anesthesia issues involved in cCHD children undergoing brain abscess excision under GA. Settings and Design: Retrospective study of our institutional experience over a 5 year period. Materials and Methods: Of all the children with cCHD who underwent brain abscess surgery from January 2005 to December 2009, only 4 were operated under GA. Surgery was done after correcting fever, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, coagulopathy and acid-base abnormalities, and taking appropriate intraoperative steps to maintain hemodynamic stability and prevent cyanotic spells and arrhythmias. Results: All 4 patients had a successful abscess excision though with varying degrees of intraoperative problems. There was one death, on postoperative day 34, due to septicemia. Conclusions: Brain abscess excision under GA in children of cCHD can be safely carried out with proper planning and attention to detail.

CSF rhinorrhea: An overview of endoscopic repair

Abstract CSF rhinorrhea can be diagnosed with more accurate localizations of the site of leak with the help of modern radiological methods. The repair involves surgical intervention, which has changed from open craniotomy to minimally invasive techniques. Endoscopic repair has gained popularity in last decade and is being practiced by many neurosurgeons either alone or with their ENT colleagues. The overall success rate of endoscopic repairs has triggered several centers to adopt endoscopic repair as first line of treatment of CSF rhinorrhea. However the inexperience of neurosurgeon to sinus anatomy may pose some difficulties with the young neurosurgeons. The article presents a review of the techniques for confirmation of a CSF leak as well as endocscopic repair of CSF fistula.

Complete heart block complicating intracranial aneurysm surgery in a pregnant patient.

A primigravida at 28 weeks of gestation was diagnosed with a left internal carotid artery aneurysm with subarachnoid hemorrhage, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Grade-2, necessitating urgent aneurysm clipping. Relevant preoperative checkup included no apparent history of syncopal episodes, a BP of 90/60 mm of Hg, a heart rate of 41 beats/min, a CHB on ECG and no evidence of underlying cardiac disease on echocardiography. The patient was paced with a temporary transvenous pacemaker at a rate of 80 beats/ min; her post-pacing BP was 118/72 mm of Hg. During surgery, the patient’s BP fell abruptly to 82/56 mm of Hg which was normalized by resetting the pacemaker rate at 90 beats/min. Repeated pacemaker adjustments became necessary in the postoperative period to maintain stable post-clipping systolic BP in the range of 140-160 mmHg; a permanent pacemaker was then inserted in her.

Perioperative challenges in patients with giant occipital encephalocele with microcephaly and micrognathia.

Meninigo-encepahlocoele (MEC) is a common neurosurgical operation. The size of MEC may vary which has bearing with its management. The association of MEC with micrognathia and microcephaly is rarely reported. The association poses special problem for intubation and maintenance of anaesthesia. Giant MEC may lead to significant CSF loss resulting in hemodynamic alteration. The prior knowledge and care in handling the patient can avoid minor as well as major complications.

Incidence and pattern of intraoperative hemodynamic response to endoscopic third ventriculostomy

BACKGROUND In patients undergoing endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), various cardiovascular changes occur in the intraoperative period. AIM We tried to determine a pattern in these changes and their relation to different surgical steps. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 260 patients were studied over a period of six years. Heart rate and mean arterial pressures were recorded before introduction of the endoscope and thereafter at various stages of the operation. RESULTS Tachycardia was the predominant observed abnormality in 20% of patients, occurring mostly during manipulations and irrigation in the third ventricle (TV). Bradycardia was seen in 12% of patients, more often during fenestration of the floor of the third ventricle. CONCLUSIONS Tachycardia observed during ETV may be related to hypothalamic stimulation or a rise in intracranial pressure and bradycardia may be due to stimulation of the hypothalamus or the third cranial nerve. Anticipation of these cardiovascular changes during the relevant steps of the operation can help in taking appropriate corrective action, thus preventing potentially serious complications of ETV.

Perioperative complications in endovascular neurosurgery: Anesthesiologist's perspective

Background: Endovascular neurosurgery is known to be associated with potentially serious perioperative complications that can impact the course and outcome of anesthesia. We present here our institutional experience in the anesthetic management of various endovascular neurosurgical procedures and their related complications over a 10-year period. Methods: Data was obtained in 240 patients pertaining to their preoperative status, details of anesthesia and surgery, perioperative course and surgery-related complications. Information regarding hemodynamic alterations, temperature variability, fluid-electrolyte imbalance, coagulation abnormalities and alterations in the anesthesia course was specifically noted. Results: Among the important complications observed were aneurysm rupture (2.5%), vasospasm (6.67%), thromboembolism (4.16%), contrast reactions, hemodynamic alterations, electrolyte abnormalities, hypothermia, delayed emergence from anesthesia, groin hematomas and early postoperative mortality (5.14%). Conclusion: Awareness of the unique challenges of endovascular neurosurgery and prompt and appropriate management of the associated complications by an experienced neuroanesthesiologist is vital to the outcome of these procedures.

Endovascular Occlusion of Cervical Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm in a Child Treated by N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate: A Rare Case Report.

We report a rare case of spontaneous extracranial cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm in a female child aged 3 years who presented with a swelling in the neck which had bled following an attempted incision as it had been thought to be an abscess. A CT angiogram and an MR angiogram were not very conclusive to diagnose the exact site of origin and the morphology of the aneurysm. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a dissecting pseudoaneurysm of the right extracranial cervical ICA. The right ICA was ending as a pseudosac, and the right cerebral circulation was filling up through the right posterior cerebral artery. To minimize the radiation exposure, a microcatheter was placed inside the diagnostic catheter. The aneurysm sac was occluded using N-butyl cyanoacrylate since there was no distal flow to the brain from the artery beyond the aneurysm. It was a safe, effective and cheaper alternative to open surgery or to other endovascular management options available. Not all neck swellings are abscesses, and they should be examined and evaluated to exclude a vascular cause.