MATERIAL and METHODS: Medical records of 58 patients with hydrocephalus who underwent ETV between 2006-2012 at our clinic were reviewed. Effectiveness of ETV was invastigated by comparing patients' preoperative and postoperative clinic, radiologic, biochemical, and hormonal results.

RESULTS: Patient's age were ranged between 8 days to 72 years. 27 patients were male and 31 were female. 55% of the patients' had obstructive, 45% of patients' had non obstructive hydrocephalus. Follow up period was 3 to 61 months. Success was defined as shunt-free survival. Success was obtained in 52% of the patients. Complications were intraventricular hemorrhage in two patients, hypothalamic injury in one, subdural effusion in two and cerebrospinal fluid leak in three.

CONCLUSION: Success rate of ETV is associated with both patient's age and the cause of hydrocephalus. ETV must be chosen the first line treatment choice in obstructive hydrocephalus due to its safety and efficacy. It should be considered as an alternative method against ventriculoperitoneal shunt in patients who had shunt disfunction and non-obstructive hydrocephalus associated with spinal dysraphism. Anahtar Kelimeler : Endoscopy, Hydrocephalus, Third ventriculostomy, Ventriculoperitoneal shunt