The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street London W1G 8BJ
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy
SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR FLUID ON THE BRAIN
We're experts in third ventriculostomy, a surgical procedure to re-route hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain)
About Endoscopic third ventriculostomy
Hydrocephalus refers to a build-up of fluid on the brain. If it isn't treated, it can put pressure on the brain, developing into a serious and potentially fatal condition.
Our neurosurgeons can carry out a third ventriculostomy to re-route the fluid so it doesn't pose a risk.
Need to know
An endoscopic third ventriculostomy is carried out under general anaesthetic. Your neurosurgeon will make a small incision in your skull. They will then use an endoscope (a flexible tube with a small camera) to guide them to the floor of the third ventricle of the brain.
There, a small hold will be created to allow the excess fluid to be re-routed, which in turn will normalise pressure on the brain. An endoscopic third ventriculostomy is an alternative to shunt surgery, which involves draining the fluid rather than re-routing it.
You'll mostly likely be asked to attend a pre-operation appointment with your HCA UK neurosurgeon. During this appointment, they'll explain how to prepare for your endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant neurosurgeon will explain these to you.
After your endoscopic third ventriculostomy, you'll be transferred to our recovery ward, where you'll be cared for for a few days. Your consultant or nurse specialist will let you know when you can leave and get back to your usual routine.
Our Endoscopic third ventriculostomy locations
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place London W1U 5NY
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street London SE1 9BS
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place London NW8 9LE
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road London W4 4HS
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.