SURGERY IS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH, 2008

We have a different surgeon, Dr. Wellons, for Abby's second surgery. He has explained the procedure to us and we have also done some research on the internet. Here is the way we understand it:

The name of her surgery is Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for Obstructive Hydrocephalus

What is Obstructive Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus (hydro=water, cephalus=head) is an abnormal increase of fluid in the brain. This fluid is called cerebral spinal fluid or CSF. Obstructive hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage of CSF flow within the ventricles or CSF pathways.

The site of blockage often lies within the narrow passage between the third and fourth ventricles. It can also be where the CSF exits the fourth ventricle. Because of the blockage, the ventricles no longer provide free passage of CSF through them into the subarachnoid space where it is reabsorbed.

Treatment for Obstructive Hydrocephalus
There are two methods of treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus. The first method is to insert a shunt (WHICH IS WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO AVOID) into the ventricle to drain excess CSF from the brain to the abdomen. This is a useful treatment in all cases; however, the shunt can malfunction or become infected.

The second method is a third ventriculostomy. A small incision is made in the scalp and a small hole in the skull. Through this hole a small camera (endoscope) is inserted to view the ventricles and the blockage (obstruction). HERE IS OUR PRAYER POINT: IF THERE ARE ANY BLOOD VESSELS IN THE WAY, THE SURGEON CANNOT CONTINUE THE SURGERY AT THIS POINT. HE WILL HAVE TO LEAVE THE SURGERY AND GET A DIFFERENT CONSENT FROM US TO DO A SHUNT INSTEAD. PLEASE HELP US PRAY THAT NO BLOOD VESSELS WILL BE IN THE SURGEON'S WAY AND HE CAN SUCCESSFULLY CREATE THE HOLE THAT IS NEEDED TO DISPOSE OF THE EXCESS SPINAL FLUID. A hole is created in the floor of the third ventricle, usually larger than the laser. The hole is then increased (dilated) using a catheter with an inflatable balloon. This creates a detour around the blockage to allow the CSF to circulate and be reabsorbed. The operation will take about 45 minutes. Usually, only a small amount of hair will be shaved for surgery. In some cases, a temporary tube (Abby already has this from her first surgery) will be left in the ventricle to monitor intracranial pressure for two or three days. This helps evaluate the success of the third ventriculostomy.

Anyone who is willing, we ask that you please fast and pray with us this Tuesday, even if it is only one meal. We need all of the prayer support we can get!