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The preoperative diagnosis of obstructive hydrocephalus is specifically linked to conditions where there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain’s ventricles due to a blockage in its normal flow. In this context, a shunt revision would typically be performed to address complications related to hydrocephalus, which might include symptoms like increased intracranial pressure or neurological deficits resulting from the excess fluid.

Obstructive hydrocephalus is a more precise diagnosis than obstructive symptoms because it describes the underlying pathological condition responsible for the need for intervention. While obstructive symptoms could suggest various issues related to fluid build-up, it does not specifically indicate the presence of hydrocephalus, which is critical in justifying a shunt revision procedure.

Other diagnoses such as herniated disc and corneal ulcer are not related to cerebrospinal fluid management or the need for shunt-related surgeries, thus ruling them out as appropriate preoperative diagnoses for this scenario.