Critical Review of Shunting Procedures for Hydrocephalus

ABSTRACT

The authors analyzed 174 consecutive shunting procedures for hydrocephalus at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University. There were a total of 65 complications (48.5%) among 134 patients. The most common complications were blockage of the catheters (26.2%) and shunt-related infections (15.4%). Among the different types of shunting technique ventriculoatrial, ventriculoperitoneal and ventriculocisternal routes were most commonly used. The ventriculoatrial route had a greater complication rate (40%) than ventriculoperitoneal shunting (21.8%). Flushing devices are critically reviewed and the disadvantages are discussed. The authors suggested a need for a standardized prospective national data collection system where Procedures and compilations may be assembled in a comparable form.