Practice Patterns of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement in Academic and Community Settings: A National Survey of Practicing Neurosurgeons

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We sought to assess the practice patterns of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement by neurosurgeons at academic, community, and government-based institutions. Using the American Association of Neurological Surgeons directory, a total of 3673 practicing neurosurgeons were contacted. The survey received 495 responses (57% academic, 41% community, 3% other/government based). The survey consisted of 9 questions to assess the frequency of general surgery assistance for distal VPS placement and the use of cranial neuronavigation for proximal placement and to assess subjective beliefs of personal practice pattern and the influence on shunt failure rates. Almost half of the respondents reported using general surgery less than half of the time for distal VPS placement. Regardless of personal practice patterns, roughly one third of respondents reported that general surgery assistance is a common or somewhat common practice at their institution. The most common reasons for recruiting general surgery assistance were cases of higher complexity. Although commonly used, almost 40% of respondents believe that general surgery assistance does not decrease shunt failure rates. Cranial neuronavigation is used less than half of the time, and the most common reason was for improved accuracy. Almost half of the respondents believe navigation does decrease shunt failure rates. General surgery assistance for distal placement and neuronavigation for the proximal placement of VPS catheters are both commonly used by neurosurgeons in academic, community, and other practice locations. This survey provides the first assessment of practice patterns nationally. The results demonstrate that roughly half of the practicing neurosurgeons use general surgery assistance and neuronavigation, particularly for complex or high-risk cases.