Hydrocephalus Surgery

Hydrocephalus Surgery in Mumbai & Thane | ETV Specialist – Dr. Harshal Agrawal

When Your Child Is Diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, You Need the Right Specialist

Hydrocephalus is a serious neurological condition that requires timely diagnosis and expert treatment. For children and infants, early intervention can significantly improve brain development, growth, and quality of life.

Dr. Harshal Agrawal, an experienced Pediatric Neurosurgeon with over 12 years of expertise, specializes in hydrocephalus surgery in Mumbai & Thane, including advanced minimally invasive procedures such as ETV (Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy). He provides compassionate, evidence-based care for children with complex brain and spine conditions across leading hospitals in Mumbai and Thane.
If your child has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus or is showing symptoms of increased pressure in the brain, consulting a hydrocephalus specialist early can help prevent complications and support better long-term outcomes.

What Is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) the fluid that normally cushions and protects the brain builds up inside the brain’s ventricles (fluid-filled spaces). This excess fluid increases pressure within the skull, which, if left untreated, can cause serious neurological damage.

It can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later due to infection, injury, or a brain tumor. Hydrocephalus affects children of all ages, including newborns and infants, which is why early diagnosis and specialist-led treatment matter so much.

Symptoms of Hydrocephalus in Children

Symptoms can vary depending on the child’s age and how quickly pressure builds. Here’s what parents should watch for:

In Infants:

Unusually rapid head growth
A bulging or tense fontanelle (soft spot on the skull)
Eyes appearing to look downward ("sunsetting" sign)
Irritability, poor feeding, or vomiting

In Older Children:

Persistent headaches, especially in the morning
Nausea or vomiting without an obvious cause
Blurred or double vision
Difficulty walking or poor balance
Decline in school performance or memory
Seizures in some cases

If your child shows any of these signs, early evaluation by a pediatric neurosurgeon is essential. Delays in treatment can lead to preventable complications, which is why we suggest consulting Dr. Harshal Agrawal for pediatric hydrocephalus treatment in Mumbai & Thane for an expert assessment.

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When Is Surgery Needed?

Hydrocephalus does not resolve on its own. Once diagnosed, surgical treatment is almost always required to relieve the pressure on the brain and protect neurological function.

The two most common surgical approaches are:

ETV (Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy) —

a minimally invasive procedure that creates a natural drainage pathway inside the brain, eliminating the need for a permanent shunt in many patients.

VP Shunt (Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt) —

a tube-based system that drains excess CSF to the abdomen.

Dr. Agrawal carefully evaluates each child’s age, anatomy, and type of hydrocephalus before recommending the most suitable surgical option.

ETV – Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Explained

- What is ETV surgery?

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) is a keyhole brain surgery performed using a thin, flexible endoscope — a tiny camera — inserted through a small opening in the skull. The surgeon uses this to create a small hole in the floor of the third ventricle, allowing the blocked CSF to flow naturally around the brain and be reabsorbed by the body. No tube, no implant, no foreign device left inside the body.

- How long does ETV surgery take?

The procedure typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours under general anaesthesia. Most children are monitored in hospital for 2–4 days post-surgery, with recovery progressing steadily over the following weeks.

- Is ETV safe for children?

In experienced hands, ETV is a well-established and safe procedure. Dr. Agrawal has performed this surgery in children across a wide age range, including infants, with careful pre-operative planning and intraoperative precision.

Benefits of ETV Surgery

No permanent implant — eliminates shunt-related risks such as infection, blockage, or mechanical failure
Minimally invasive — small incision, less trauma to surrounding brain tissue
Faster recovery — most children resume normal activity within a few weeks
Lower long-term revision rate — suitable candidates enjoy durable results without repeat surgeries
Improved quality of life — reduced dependency on hardware and follow-up interventions

ETV is not suitable for every child, but for the right candidate, it offers a significant advantage over traditional shunt surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Harshal Agrawal for Hydrocephalus Surgery?

Parents across Mumbai and Thane trust Dr. Agrawal for one simple reason: he combines deep surgical expertise with genuine care for every child and family he treats.

12+ years of focused experience in pediatric neurosurgery, with a particular specialization in hydrocephalus management
Extensive ETV experience — including complex and revision cases in infants and older children
Thorough pre-surgical evaluation — every child receives individualized assessment before a surgical plan is recommended
Clear communication — Dr. Agrawal takes time to explain the diagnosis, procedure, and expected outcomes in plain language so families feel informed and prepared
Continuity of care — from diagnosis through surgery and post-operative follow-up, families have consistent access to Dr. Agrawal and his team
Available at multiple leading hospitals across Mumbai and Thane for your convenience

His approach is never rushed. His goal is always what’s best for the child — not just the surgery, but the life after it.

Hospitals in Mumbai & Thane

Dr. Harshal Agrawal conducts consultations and surgeries at reputed hospitals across Mumbai and Thane. Families from across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region — including Navi Mumbai, Pune, and beyond — seek his expertise for pediatric hydrocephalus treatment.

Click here to confirm the current hospital locations, OPD schedules, and appointment availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes hydrocephalus in newborns and children?

Hydrocephalus in newborns is often congenital — meaning it develops before birth due to abnormal brain development or genetic factors. In older children, it can result from meningitis or brain infection, a brain tumour blocking CSF flow, head injury or trauma, or bleeding in the brain (intraventricular haemorrhage), which is particularly common in premature babies. Identifying the underlying cause is an important part of planning the right treatment for your child.

What is the best treatment for hydrocephalus in children?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of hydrocephalus. Many children benefit from VP shunt surgery or ETV (Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy), depending on their condition.

What is the success rate of ETV surgery for hydrocephalus?

ETV success rates vary based on the child’s age and underlying cause of hydrocephalus. In appropriately selected patients, ETV has a long-term success rate of 60–90%. Dr. Agrawal will discuss realistic expectations based on your child’s specific condition during the consultation.

How do I know if my child needs a shunt or ETV?

This depends on the type of hydrocephalus, the child’s age, and MRI findings. During your consultation, Dr. Agrawal will review the imaging and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach.

What are the risks of untreated hydrocephalus in children?

Untreated hydrocephalus can lead to progressive brain damage, developmental delays, vision loss, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Early intervention is critical.

Book a Consultation with Dr. Harshal Agrawal – Pediatric Hydrocephalus Specialist

Early diagnosis and timely surgical care can make a significant difference in a child’s neurological development and long-term health.

If you are looking for expert hydrocephalus treatment in Mumbai & Thane, consult Dr. Harshal Agrawal for comprehensive evaluation and advanced pediatric neurosurgical care.