Choroid Plexus Cauterization Prevents Postoperative Hydrocephalus in Adult Glioblastoma Resection With Ventricular Entry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Glioblastoma often extends along the subventricular zone and resection frequently results in ventricular entry, which is associated with increased risk of postoperative hydrocephalus. Choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) is a treatment for pediatric hydrocephalus, but its utility in preventing postoperative hydrocephalus following glioblastoma resection with ventricular entry is unknown. We sought to characterize CPC safety and efficacy in preventing postoperative hydrocephalus in this setting. METHODS: We evaluated a historical cohort of 260 patients who underwent craniotomy for glioblastoma with ventricular entry, assessing postoperative hydrocephalus, survival, and functional outcomes. Furthermore, we prospectively performed CPC in a matched cohort with ventricular entry. We quantitated the volume of choroid plexus that was successfully cauterized using magnetic resonance segmentation and evaluated the safety and efficacy of CPC. RESULTS: 25.8% of patients with glioblastoma resection with ventricular entry developed postoperative hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus was associated with more readmissions (2.3 vs 0.6; P < .0001), longer hospital stays (10.0 vs 6.5 days; P = .0047), and lower 3-month Karnofsky Performance Status (64.4 vs 78.6; P < .0001), although overall survival was unaffected. Thirty patients underwent prospective CPC with no procedure-related postoperative complications. Choroid plexus volume in the involved ventricle decreased by 50% on postoperative MRI segmentations (P = .0020). In a matched analysis, there was a reduction in postoperative hydrocephalus compared with the retrospective cohort (3.3% vs 25.8%; P = .0060) associated with fewer hospital readmissions (P = .0330). CONCLUSION: As ventricular entry becomes increasingly common during supramaximal glioblastoma resection, our data demonstrate that patients who develop postoperative hydrocephalus have more readmissions, longer hospital stays, and worse functional status. Thus, strategies to reduce postoperative hydrocephalus are critical. Although it does not alter the natural course of glioblastoma itself, we find that CPC represents a safe and effective adjunct that prevents postoperative hydrocephalus, reduces hospital readmissions, and downstream interventions, which is extremely important to a patient cohort with limited expected survival.