[tri-med] endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) surgery for hydrocephalus

Hi All!  Sorry it has been so long since we have written!  Things have been so 
busy... I just feel like I can't keep up any more!  
I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the relatively new endoscopic 
third ventriculostomy (ETV) surgery for hydrocephalus rather than the shunt.  
This is the one where they go in a create a hole in the bottom of the third 
ventricle to drain the fluid from the brain.  When it works, it seems to be 
great in that the kids don't need as many follow up procedures as with the 
shunt.  However, it doesn't seem to always work on infants.  I guess they heal 
too well and the hole can close up!

Maiya is 11 months now and they are telling us that is time for surgery for her 
hydrocephalus.  I'm leaning towards trying the  ETV since you can always put a 
shunt in later if it doesn't work.   Just thought I'd check with you all for 
experience or advice.  We're also going to meet with her pediatrician and 
geneticist this week to discuss the options.  
 
Thanks in advance for any help!  I hope you are all doing well in the new year!
Callie

Mom to Maiya (11mths T8M) and Cade (5yrs) 
Sebastian, Fl.... but soon moving to the Lewisburg WV area

                  Building ___ooOOoo__ Rainbows
                       www.trisomyonline.org
                  Families Helping Families On-line

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