Posterior Fossa Non-tumoral Cystic Lesions in Pediatrics: Management and Endoscopic Surgery

Abstract

Background: Posterior fossa non-tumoral cystic lesions include Dandy-Walker syndrome, Cerebellar hypoplasia, isolated forth ventricle, Mega cisterna magna and arachnoid cysts. The aim of this study is to evaluate the posterior fossa non-tumoral cyctic lesions in pediatics and to determine the available surgical techniques (their indications, methods, success rate and complication).

Materials and Methods: This is a review article concentrating on the avaliable literature on posterior fossa non-tumoral cystic lesions tumors.

Results: The most important findings of the current literature indicates that ventriculo-peritoneal shunt insertion is the best treatment for Dandy-Walker syndrome. Microsurgical resection is the treatment of choice for isolated forth ventricle. Less invasive methods include neuro-endoscopy, aqueductoplasty and intraventricular ventriculostomy has also been shown to be associated with acceptable outcome and long-term results.

Conclusion: Posterior fossa arachnoid cycts could be effectively treated by posterior microscopic surgical methods. Endoscopic cyst fenestration is a less invasive method for treatment of posterior fossa arachnoid cycts