A novel endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy and stenting technique with a transparent acryl puncture needle for a trapped temporal horn: a technical report and literature review

Trapped temporal horn is a rare type of noncommunicating focal hydrocephalus, and no standard treatment has been established yet for trapped temporal horn. Recent studies have shown the efficacy of endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy by opening the choroidal fissure; however, some surgical complications were reported during the procedure. Thus, we aimed to report a novel endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy and stenting technique for trapped temporal horn. In this technique, a 5.8-mm transparent acryl puncture needle with a 2.7-mm 0° rigid endoscope was used to open the choroidal fissure. It can fenestrate the choroidal fissure under real-time endoscopic observation of the critical neurovascular structures over the choroidal fissure. Moreover, the dull tip of the needle is less likely to injure the critical neurovascular structures, resulting in safer ventriculocisternostomy than the previously reported technique. Then, a stent is placed along the tract to prevent future obstruction of the stoma. Six trapped temporal horns in four patients were treated using the technique. All the patients showed improved symptoms with no surgical complications. None of the patients showed recurrence of trapped temporal horn during the mean follow-up period of 39.3 months. The combination of endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy and stenting with a transparent acryl puncture needle is a safe and effective treatment option for trapped temporal horn.