Leonardo Rangel Castilla, M.D., neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN, discusses hydrocephalus treatment options, including flexible brain endoscopy.

Hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid inside of the brain which. Hydrocephalus can occur at any age and, if left untreated, may be fatal. Hydrocephalus can be the result of a brain bleed, brain infection, brain tumor, congenital malformation, brain cyst or severe head injury. While not a preventable disease, it can be treated. 

The traditional treatment for hydrocephalus is a shunt. However, shunts may come with significant risk. Today, minimally invasive endoscopy has changed the way that hydrocephalus can be treated. During minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of hydrocephalus, a small camera is inserted into the brain and the source of the hydrocephalus may be addressed.

Mayo Clinic uses the latest in technology to treat hydrocephalus, including flexible brain endoscopy which is a minimally invasive treatment for hydrocephalus. Usually patients are discharged 1-2 days after treatment.

Learn more about Hydrocephalus here