The main aim of any treatment for hydrocephalus is to release the pressure on the brain caused by the build up of cerebrospinal fluid. If the cause of the hydrocephalus is a tumour on the brain, then surgery to remove the tumour may be carried out. For all other causes, a shunt operation may be required.
For a small number of people with hydrocephalus (depending on the type), a procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) may be performed instead of shunt surgery. During this procedure the surgeon creates a small hole in one of the ventricles in the brain. This allows the excess fluid to drain away from the brain, and then be absorbed by the body.