Comparison of the clinical values of two kinds of shunt for the treatment of communicating hydrocephalus

Abstract

Objective To compare the clinical values of lumboperitoneal shunt(LPS) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt(VPS) for the treatment of communicating hydrocephalus. Methods A retrospective study was made on the 125 cases of communicating hydrocephalus managed with LPS or VPS from June 2014 to June 2017. There were 51 cases in LPS group and 74 cases in VPS group. The total effective rates, incidences of complications and the rates of reoperation of the two groups were compared. Results The follow-up lasted for 6 months to 36 months. The total effective rate was 94.44% in LPS group and 93.24% in VPS group, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 11.76% in LPS group and 27.03% in VPS group, there was significant difference between the two sroups (P<0.05). The rate of reoperation was 3.92% in LPS group and 14.86% in VPS group, there was significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusions Both LPS and VPS are effective on communicating hydrocephalus, while LPS is a better choice when there is no contraindication because of the lower complication incidence and reoperation rate. Key words: Communicating hydrocephalus; Lumboperitoneal shunt; Ventriculoperitoneal shunt; Reoperation