Treatment: ETV & Other Procedures
Endoscopic fenestration
Endoscopic fenestration is the creation of an opening in a membrane or cyst wall to connect fluid compartments and allow drainage.
In short: Endoscopic fenestration
- It creates an opening ("window") in a membrane or cyst wall.
- It connects isolated fluid compartments.
- It allows fluid to drain into normal CSF spaces.
- It is used in compartmentalized hydrocephalus and cysts.
What it is
Endoscopic fenestration is the creation of an opening (a "window," from the Latin for window) in a membrane, cyst wall, or partition within the brain's fluid spaces, using an endoscope. It connects isolated fluid compartments so fluid can drain.
Understanding Endoscopic fenestration
In compartmentalized hydrocephalus — where scarring or membranes divide the CSF spaces into separate pockets (as in multiloculated hydrocephalus) or where a cyst traps fluid — fenestration creates openings between compartments or into the normal CSF spaces, allowing fluid to flow and be managed together. This can reduce the number of separate compartments that need draining and may reduce the need for multiple catheters. Fenestration is performed endoscopically and includes procedures such as septostomy (between ventricles) and cyst fenestration (opening a cyst). It is a key technique for addressing the complex anatomy of compartmentalized hydrocephalus, chosen based on the individual situation.
Why it matters
Understanding endoscopic fenestration helps families see how creating openings between fluid compartments can simplify complex, compartmentalized hydrocephalus by allowing isolated pockets to drain together.
Common questions
What is endoscopic fenestration?
Creating an opening in a membrane or cyst wall to connect fluid compartments.
Why is it done?
To allow isolated compartments to drain together.
When is it used?
In compartmentalized hydrocephalus and with cysts.
Bottom line
Endoscopic fenestration creates openings between fluid compartments to allow drainage, key for managing compartmentalized hydrocephalus and cysts.
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