AbstractObjectives: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is currently considered the most common parasitic disease of the CNS, affecting thousands of individuals living in developing countries and in industrialised nations with a high index of immigration of people from endemic areas. It is one of the most common causes of acquired epilepsy in the developing world especially in India. In this study we present our experience in the surgical management of NCC, complications arising following of the procedures and the lessons learnt at a tertiary care centre in Southern India. Methods: In this study,the records of 69 cases of NCC were prospectively and retrospectively analysed. Eleven patients underwent surgical intervention due to the complications arising out of the infection. Patients were followed up for a period of one year and the short term outcome of the interventions were evaluated. Results: Six (54.5%) patients presenting with hydrocephalus were treated with VP shunt, two (18.2%) patients presented as fourth ventricular SOL and underwent posterior fossa craniotomy and excision, while three (27.3%) had supratentorial lesions who underwent craniotomy and excision. One patient developed pseudomeningocele with CSF leak another developed wound infection which improved on conservative management. Conclusion: Cysticercosis is considered as a “biological marker” of social and economic development. It is a global health problem and developing countries, like India, bear most of the disease burden. In the present study the short term prognosis was good.HoweverNCC being a chronic disease these patients require prolonged follow up to understand the long term complications and
their impact on the overall outcome and survival of the patient.
Keywords: Neurocysticercosis; Hydrocephalus; Fourth Ventricular SOL.