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.
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