Successful endoscopic third ventriculostomy in a patient with 40 years of ventriculoperitoneal shunt dependency since infancy: a case report

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction is a common complication in patients with lifelong hydrocephalus. We present a case of a 40-year-old man who successfully underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for shunt malfunction following neonatal meningitis. Despite long-term shunt dependency and an infectious etiology, ETV effectively managed his hydrocephalus, probably due to aqueductal stenosis and preserved cerebrospinal fluid absorption. This suggests that ETV is a viable option for adult hydrocephalus patients experiencing shunt malfunction, even those with lifelong shunt dependency and a history of infectious etiology.