Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) Discharge Instructions

About the Surgery

What is a Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)?

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is an alternative surgical procedure that creates a bypass for the cerebrospinal fluid in the head that eliminates the need for a shunt.The goal of an ETV is to bypass the obstruction causing the hydrocephalus by diverting it through the floor of the third ventricle.

Day of the Surgery

• Your surgical team will be with you every step of the way
• You will be in the ICU after your surgery

After the Surgery

Home Care

Incision Care

• Wash incision daily with shampoo and water ( application of antibiotic ointment not necessary unless instructed by Neurosurgery team)
• You may scrub incision lightly to help prevent scab formation
• No beach/pool ( 1st month after surgery) or  until cleared by Neurosurgery
• Avoid direct sunlight on incision ( May wear a cap or hat to go outside)
• Do not scratch incision

Activity

• Keep activity level  back to normal or light until you are seen in clinic
• May return to school  after second week post-surgery, unless not cleared by Neurosurgery
• No participation in Physical Education for 1 month or until cleared by Neurosurgery

Pain control

• You may take over the counter medications, which include:
  • Acetaminophen every 4 hours or Motrin every 6 hours if needed
  • These medications can be alternating

Follow-up Office Visit

• You will be seen in Neurosurgery office approximately 10-14 days after leaving the hospital for symptom evaluation and suture removal, if sutures are not dissolvable 

When to call the office

• Fever greater than 101.5°F oral or axillary
• Increased swelling, redness, or oozing from incision area
• Signs of increased intracranial pressure:
  • Infants: Fontanel full and tense on infant  who is upright and quiet, poor feeding, episodes of spitting up or vomiting, increased sleeping, eyes always looking down, or irritability
  • Children: persistent headache not relieved with pain medication, often associated with nausea/vomiting, changes in alertness  

*These symptoms requires immediate attention as it can potentially lead to a coma. Return to emergency room during off hours and unable to communicate with office*

Resources

Questions or Concerns?
Call us @ 305-662-8386