Use of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Reservoir as an Alternative to Lumbar Puncture, Case Series

Abstract

Hydrocephalus is a common neurological disorder in both childhood and adulthood. Non-communicating hydrocephalus may occur due to obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow pathways by structural anomalies such as tumors, infections, adhesions, and developmental defects while communicating hydrocephalus might develop due to CSF absorption disorders or excess production. In symptomatic cases, treatment is divided into two approaches as medical and surgical. The most commonly used method in surgical treatment is the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt system. The VP shunt system can have numerous advantages and complications and is expected to yield continuous and long-term solutions. One of its advantages is that CSF samples can be taken from the reservoir located on it. In cases suspected of intracranial infection but for whom Lumbar puncture (LP) cannot be performed, the shunt reservoir in the patient provides sufficient opportunity for CSF retrieval.