ventriculo subgaleal technique: a prolonged temporary aseptic technique for cerebrospinal fluid diversion

ABSTRACT

Sixty patients with acute hydrocephalus of variant aetiologies constituted the subject of this study. The ventriculo-subgaleal [V.SG.] technique for cerebrospinal fluid drainage was applied to all them. The value and efficacy of this technique was verified both clinically in terms of Glasgow Coma Score in 93.3% and radiologically using the ventricular size index on serial C.T. scans in 95% of the cases. The V. SG. Drainage replaced the external drainage for period as long as 3 weeks with no risk of infection and lesser costs. 20% of the patients in this work proved to be shunt independent and the V.SG. drainage has efficiently curved its temporary purpose during the acute phase of hydrocephalus. It also proved its reliability until a definite corrective surgery was performed. The V.SG. technique for C.S.F. drainage is an easy, safe and aseptic procedure that has been rightly reintroduced to the neurosurgical practice