Outcomes of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in the treatment of paediatric hydrocephalus: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in the treatment of paediatric hydrocephalus.

Methods
We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for articles published from 2000 to May 2023 (last search date May 6, 2023). Keywords searched included “endoscopic third ventriculostomy”, “ventriculoperitoneal shunting”, “paediatric population”, and “outcomes”. Using random-effects models, we compared success rates and complications of ETV and VPS. The primary outcome was ETV vs.VPS success rates, and the secondary outcome was post-treatment complications. Included studies reported on treatment success and complication rates.

Results
Out of 126 articles, 8 RCTs and 1 prospective study were included. Six studies reported primary outcome data (806 patients identified: 464 in ETV group, 342 in VPS group). Combined success rates were 81.8% (n = 283/346) for ETV and 86.7% (n = 182/210) for VPS (median follow-up 41 months). There was no difference in success rates between ETV and VPS groups (risk ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.80–0.90, I2 = 0%, p = 0.93). Combined complication rates were 4.6% (n = 16/346) in the ETV group and 27.1% (n = 57/210) in the VPS group. ETV had a lower rate of postoperative complications (risk ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.42–1.38, I2 = 53%, p = 0.04).

Conclusions
Both ETV and VPS are viable surgical options for the management of paediatric hydrocephalus with similar success rates when used as first-line treatment. However, our study concluded that VPS results in a higher complication rate.

Registration
This systematic review and meta-analysis was formally registered in the PROSPERO International database under the registration number CRD42023452907 on the 29th of August 2023.