About Endoscopic Aqueductoplasty
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive approach with smaller incisions and less tissue disruption.Targets the specific site of obstruction (aqueduct) for precise treatment.Potential to avoid lifelong shunt dependency and its associated risks (e.g., infection, malfunction).Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery compared to open brain surgery.Reduces symptoms of hydrocephalus like headaches, nausea, and vision problems.Performed using advanced neuroendoscopic technology for enhanced visualization and safety./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Obstructive (non-communicating) hydrocephalus caused by aqueductal stenosis (narrowing).
- Symptomatic patients with headaches, nausea/vomiting, vision changes, or cognitive decline due to blocked CSF flow.
- Failure or complications from a previous ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt.
- Selected cases of trapped fourth ventricle or aqueductal web/membrane.
- When a shunt-independent treatment is preferred for a suitable patient anatomy.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological evaluation and imaging (MRI, CT) to confirm aqueductal obstruction and plan the approach.
- Review of medical history, medications, and allergies; adjustment of blood thinners as advised.
- Pre-operative blood tests and other assessments to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure as per hospital protocol.
- Discussion with the neurosurgical team about the procedure's goals, risks, and expected outcomes.
- Shaving of a small area of the scalp where the endoscopic entry point will be made.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding (intraventricular hemorrhage) or infection (meningitis, ventriculitis).
- Injury to surrounding brain structures, potentially affecting neurological function.
- Incomplete opening of the aqueduct or early re-stenosis, requiring further treatment.
- CSF leak from the incision site.
- Risks associated with general anesthesia.
- Development of new or worsening hydrocephalus if the procedure is not fully successful.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial monitoring in a neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) for 1-2 days to watch for complications.
- Management of post-operative pain, nausea, and headaches with medication.
- Observation for signs of infection, CSF leak, or changes in neurological status.
- Gradual increase in mobility; avoidance of strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointments for wound check and imaging (MRI/CT) to assess CSF flow and ventricle size.
- Gradual return to normal activities and work as tolerated, based on the surgeon's advice.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering endoscopic aqueductoplasty in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for endoscopic aqueductoplasty in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform endoscopic aqueductoplasty. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for endoscopic aqueductoplasty compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Endoscopic Aqueductoplasty in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing endoscopic aqueductoplasty.
Amit Reddy, a 32-year-old software engineer...
Amit Reddy, a 32-year-old software engineer from Hyderabad, had always been active and ambitious. For over a year, he had been plagued by debilitating, progressive headaches that felt like intense pressure behind his eyes, especially in the mornings. He also began experiencing episodes of blurred vision and unsteady gait, which terrified him as he feared a brain tumor. An MRI revealed the cause: aqueductal stenosis, a narrowing of the cerebral aqueduct causing a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (hydrocephalus). His neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma, explained that while a shunt was the traditional treatment, Amit was a good candidate for a newer, less invasive option: endoscopic aqueductoplasty. The goal was to open the blockage from within, avoiding a permanent implant. The procedure itself, under general anesthesia, was nerve-wracking for Amit and his family, but it was successful. In the days following, the crushing headaches began to recede. His balance improved, and his vision cleared. Amit's emotional journey was one of profound relief; he had feared a life-altering diagnosis and a permanent device. Post-recovery, he felt like himself again, able to focus on his career and return to his morning runs, grateful for a solution that restored his normalcy.
Neurosurgeons for Endoscopic Aqueductoplasty
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform endoscopic aqueductoplasty and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada