ABSTRACT
Objective To analyze the curative effects and complications of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt in treating hydrocephalus caused by different diseases in children. Methods The data of 289 children with hydrocephalus who were performed ventriculo-peritoneal shunt were examined and the incidence rate of complications was analyzed. Results Thirty-seven incidences of complications occurred in 24 patients with the total incidence rate of 12.46%.There was obstruction of proximate tube in five cases,distal end in two cases,with the obstruction rate of 2.42%.Postoperative infection happened in nine cases(3.11%).Bacterial culture was positive in three cases,two of which were Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus coli in the other one.Negative results were found in six patients for the bacterial culture.Subdural hematoma occured in one case,and tube break after injury in two cases.Slit ventricle syndrome broke out seven times in three cases,leakage of cerebrospinal fluid in two,exposure of pumps in three,and subcutaneous hydrops in two.Four cases(1.38%)were dead from infection. Conclusion Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt is preferred for hydrocephalus in children if the complications are well prevented and controlled.