ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the short-term and mid-term outcomes in geriatric patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus treated with adjustable valve. Methods The 29 patients were selected for the ventriculo-peritoneal shunt by the means of preoperative lumbar tap test and external lumbar drainage test. All patients were assessed by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and timed 10-meter walk test. Results Short-term improvement in gait disturbance and cognitive function could be achieved obviously, and mid-term improvement could not be sustained. The 3 patients had shunt obstruction, 1 had subdural hygroma. 1 case died of pulmonary infection and 2 died of cardiac disease. Conclusions The lumbar tap test and external lumbar drainage test are highly prognostic procedures for identifying patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus who mostly likely benefit from shunt surgery. The short-term improvement can be achieved, whereas mid-term improvement can not be sustained. Surgical outcome can be improved by the use of adjustable valve.