Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt System Research Articles

Randomized trial of shunt infection rates comparing intraoperative Vancomycin versus Gentamicin in ventriculoperitoneal shunt system preparation

BackgroundVentriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the mainstay of surgical management of patients with hydrocephalus. The insertion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt may be accompanied by many potentially life-threatening complications including shunt infection. Concerted efforts have been made to reduce shunt infection rates, including use of saline- antibiotic solutions containing antibiotics such as Gentamicin, mixture of Gentamicin and Vancomycin in shunt system preparation. We therefore set out to determine the infection rates following the use of intraoperative Gentamicin and Vancomycin in ventriculoperitoneal shunt system preparation and compare the infection rates. Therefore, a randomized single blind comparative study was carried out for a period of seventeen months, among 56 patients that presented to 2 tertiary health centers in Nigeria diagnosed of hydrocephalus. Patients were randomized into Vancomycin- and Gentamicin-shunt preparation groups. The outcome measure was postoperative shunt infection rates. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version) 21. Group comparisons were made using the Student's t-test for numerical variables, and chi-square test or fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Statistical significance was inferred at p-value < 0.05.ResultFifty-six patients were included in the study. One patient was lost to follow-up in Vancomycin group. Another patient died in Gentamicin group of sudden death without the patient exhibiting symptoms of shunt infection leaving a total of 54 for analysis. All the patients included in the study were followed up for six months. Their mean ages were between 1688.5 ± 665.3 (days) for Vancomycin group and 10,222 ± 6635.8 (days) for Gentamicin group. There was male preponderance of 55.6% as against female of 44.4%. Majority of the hydrocephalus were of congenital cause accounting for 64.8%. There was one shunt infection in the Gentamicin group giving rise to an infection rate of 1.9% which was not statistically significant (P –value—0.313). The organism isolated was Pseudomonas species.ConclusionVentriculoperitoneal shunt infection rates can be reduced to the barest minimum if standard concentration of antibiotics is used to prepare the shunt hardware employing a standard surgical technique.

Noninvasive CSF shunt patency evaluation by superb microvascular imaging

Occlusion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt system is a potentially life-threatening complication in patients suffering from hydrocephalus. However, there is no imaging established as standard approach in this acute setting. In the present study, we evaluate the use of superb microvascular imaging for investigation of the patency of ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems. Simulation of low flow rates of cerebrospinal fluid through a small diameter CSF shunt system was performed in a dedicated phantom in order to proof the principle of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) being feasible for the measurement of slow CSF flow through the dedicated CSF shunt system. SMI is able to detect low flow rates in CSF shunt systems effectively and fast. Visualization of a Duplex ultrasound flow and Doppler wave pattern in the VP shunt system after the reservoir has been pressed confirms patency. SMI is an effective method for evaluating CSF shunt patency and diagnosing shunt obstruction. This bears the potential to facilitate evaluation of clinically symptomatic VP shunt patients in an acute setting. Further evaluation of ultrasound flow patterns is granted.

Device-associated Meningitis due to Elizabethkingia meningoseptica: A Therapeutic Challenge.

To the Editors: Elizabethkingia meningoseptica causes life-threatening infections in humans, especially in immunocompromised patients and infants with low birth weights. It is one of the main causes of meningitis in pediatric and immunocompromised patients in the context of nosocomial diseases associated with devices and is also related to low-birth-weight infants and prematurity1 Due to their resistance to many commonly used antibiotics (beta-lactams, carbapenemics, aminoglycosides, etc.), clinicians face treatment challenges.2 There are currently few publications on pediatric cases regarding E. meningoseptica device-associated meningitis with breakthrough resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) while treatment with dual intravenous (IV) therapy with TMP/SMX and high-dose ciprofloxacin requiring intraventricular ciprofloxacin for eradication. This letter is written to describe a case that posed a diagnostic challenge in our center. A 1-month-old female patient with hydrocephalus secondary to a history of myelomeningocele that required correction at birth with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt system presented during her prolonged hospitalization with device-associated meningitis due to E. meningoseptica initially susceptible to TMP/SMX MIC <16 µg/L, follow-up cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures remained positive for the same pathogen with TMP/SMX breakthrough resistance acquired (MIC > 64 µg/L) (Table 1). Different antibiotics were tested in vitro and showed resistance to vancomycin, minocycline, and rifampicin, maintaining only susceptibility to ciprofloxacin without achieving eradication with systemic dual high-dose IV therapy. TABLE 1. - Cerebrospinal Fluid Culture Analyzed in Vitek2 System (Biomérieux) Initial Control Antibiotic Value/Interpretation Value/Interpretation Amikacin ≥64 µg/mL (R) ≥64 µg/mL (R) Aztreonam ≥64 µg/mL (R)) Cefazolin ≥64 µg/mL (R) Cefepime ≥64 µg/mL (R) ≥64 µg/mL (R) Ceftazidime ≥64 µg/mL (R) ≥64 µg/mL (R) Ceftriaxone ≥64 µg/mL (R) Ciprofloxacin ≥1 µg/mL (Susceptible) ≥1 µg/mL (S) Gentamicin ≥16 µg/mL (Resistant) ≥16 µg/mL (R) Meropenem ≥64 µg/mL (Resistant) ≥64 µg/mL (R) Piperacillin/tazobactam 32 µg/mL (Susceptible) ≥128 µg/mL (R) Tigecycline 1 µg/mL (S) ≥8 µg/mL (R) Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) 40 µg/mL (S) ≥320 µg/mL (R) Colistin ≥16 µg/mL (R) Doripenem ≥8 µg/mL (R) Imipenem ≥16 µg/mL (R) (R), resistant; (S), susceptible. Intraventricular antimicrobial therapy with ciprofloxacin was proposed based on a case report in the literature: 21 days of systemic treatment combined with Intrathecal therapy, and another 21 days of systemic therapy alone. Negative CSF cultures were obtained after 6 days of dual therapy plus intraventricular ciprofloxacin with clinical improvement in the patient and replacement of the VP shunt. Although recent literature suggests that antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones can achieve good concentrations in the CSF fluid after IV administration and do not suggest their use in intraventricular or intrathecal routes,3 and that the FDA has not approved any antimicrobial agent for intraventricular use,3,4 when therapeutic options are limited due to multidrug-resistant pathogens in central nervous system infections, intraventricular/intrathecal antibiotic therapy with fluoroquinolones appears to be a viable option in the absence of other available treatments. More studies are required, particularly in cases, such as the one presented for antibiotics that theoretically achieve adequate CSF concentrations when only IV route is used.

The survival time of the ventriculo-peritoneal-shunt in children with hydrocephalus is dependent on the type of valve implanted

PurposeDespite constantly improving developments in ventriculo-peritoneal shunt systems, most patients with hydrocephalus require revision or replacement at some point of time. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse parameters that are associated with shunt dysfunction.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we included 81 patients aged 0–17 who were treated at our institution. Demographic data, etiology of the hydrocephalus, type of valve implanted, reason for any revision procedures, any complications and survival time of the ventriculo-peritoneal shunts were detected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.ResultsOver a mean study period of 18 years, we analyzed 226 valves subjected to 146 revision operations in 81 patients. The etiology of the hydrocephalus (p = 0.874) and the age of the child at the time of VP shunt implantation (p = 0.308) did not have any impact on the shunt survival time. However, the type of the valve significantly changed the survival time of the shunt (p = 0.030). Pressure differential valves presented a longer survival time than gravitational valves.ConclusionThe majority of patients in this study needed at least one replacement of the initial shunt system. Pressure differential valves may be beneficial for the survival time of the shunt system.

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

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.

Surgical instruments and catheter damage during ventriculoperitoneal shunt assembly.

Current surgical techniques use common surgical instruments for sterile shunt assembly. This study investigated the impact of using these techniques and surgical instruments on the mechanical integrity of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt system, specifically shunt catheters. The authors conducted failure testing on 85 rifampin-coated catheters and 85 barium-impregnated catheters using 5 different surgical instruments and 2 different surgical techniques. In technique A, the distal end of the catheter was pushed onto the shunt valve inlet connector with the surgical instrument. In technique B, the catheter was pulled over the inlet connector. One hundred sixty catheters underwent 10-repetition-maximum testing, in which the catheter either failed before completion of 10 consecutive assembly/disassembly repetitions or the catheter completed 10 consecutive repetitions. The authors also conducted 100-repetition-maximum tests on 5 barium-impregnated and 5 rifampin-coated catheters using technique A. Catheter failure rates were significantly different among the different instruments used in assembly (p ≤ 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed that using mosquito forceps with shods resulted in a significantly lower catheter failure rate than the other instruments (p < 0.0005). The catheter failure rate of technique A was significantly lower than that of technique B (5% vs 81%, p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference between the failure rates of the barium and rifampin catheters (42% vs 44%, p = 0.9), but the barium catheters outperformed the rifampin catheters in the 100-repetition-maximum trials (p = 0.02). Instrument type (p = 0.0232) and catheter type (p = 0.0096) were both significant factors in determining the number of assembly/disassembly repetitions needed to cause catheter failure. It took an average of 2.79 repetitions of assembly/disassembly to cause catheter failure. DeBakey forceps had significantly lower mean repetitions to failure (mean 1.38) than the Gerald forceps without teeth (mean 2.73, p = 0.05) and bayonet (mean 3.25, p = 0.02). This study was the first of its kind to analyze how physical manipulation affects the mechanical integrity of ventriculoperitoneal shunt components. The authors demonstrated a significantly lower shunt catheter failure rate when mosquito forceps with shods and technique A were used in assembly. Moreover, the authors established that use of DeBakey forceps resulted in failure with fewer assembly/disassembly repetitions than use of the Gerald and bayonet forceps, suggesting that DeBakey forceps are the most damaging instrument.

Novel technique for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement using a neurointerventional biplanar fluoroscopy suite: a technical note

BackgroundShunt dependent hydrocephalus is an increasingly common pathology in contemporary neurosurgery. While effective, ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems (VPS) carry a high rate of failure, most commonly secondary to proximal catheter failure and inaccurate placement has been cited an independent predictor of revision surgery. In this technical note, we describe a novel method of VPS placement in a hybrid operating room equipped with biplanar fluoroscopy with 3D-fluoroscopy capabilities to ensure appropriate proximal and distal catheter placements intraoperatively. MethodsA 27-year-old male with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and recently placed left parietooccipital VPS for cryptococcal meningitis presented to our facility with global cerebral edema with slit like ventricles. A right frontal VPS with intraoperative imaging in our hybrid operating room equipped with a Philips Azurion biplane unit (Philips, Amsterdam, Netherlands) was planned. ResultsA standard right frontal VPS was conducted under neuronavigation with open distal catheter placement. Following ventricular catheter insertion, spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) return slowed significantly prompting concern for malposition. 3D-fluoro was performed using the biplane machine, confirming accurate placement of the proximal catheter about the foramen of Monroe. Plain static fluoroscopic images were then acquired to confirm the placement and integrity of the distal catheter. The patient had a non-complicated post-operative course and experienced total symptom resolution. ConclusionsProximal and distal catheter shunt failure secondary to malposition remains a significant etiology for revision in contemporary image guided neurosurgery. Biplanar fluoroscopic intraoperative confirmation may provide an efficient and effective modality in CSF diversion. Continued experience is necessary to validate our report.

Teaching Video NeuroImage: Parinaud Syndrome Due to Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Malfunction in a Patient With Neurosarcoidosis.

A 37-year-old patient with biopsy-proven neurosarcoidosis was admitted for a follow-up cranial MRI. Because of obstructive hydrocephalus at initial presentation, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt system had previously been implanted.

Disturbances of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics as a complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: predictors of development and influence of aneurysm occlusion method on the development of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus

Objective ‒ to study the effect of ruptured aneurysm localization, severity of hemorrhage and aneurysm occlusion method on the probability of developing shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (SDH) and to assess the prognostic sensitivity of clinical and radiological scales.Materials and methods. The results of treatment of 597 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) of varying severity were analyzed. In 282 cases endovascular occlusion of the aneurysm was performed, in 315 ‒ microsurgical clipping. A group of 63 patients who required implantation of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt system within 3 to 15 weeks after aneurysm rupture was selected.Results. Of the patients who underwent coiling of the ruptured aneurysm, 22 (7.8 %) required implantation of the cerebrospinal fluid shunt system, and 41 (13.0 %) of the patients who underwent microsurgery. The mean age of patients in the endovascular occlusion group was 64.28 years, in the microsurgical clipping group ‒ 50.64 years. The localization was dominated by aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery (ACA) complex ‒ 37 (58.7 %) observations, internal carotid artery ‒ 15 (23.8 %), vertebrobasilar basin (VBB) ‒ 9 (14.3 %) and the middle cerebral artery ‒ 2 (3.2 %). The predominance of aneurysms of the ACA complex among those operated by microsurgical method (29 (70.7 %)) and VBB aneurysms among those operated on endovascularly (9 (40.9 %)) was revealed. Rupture of the aneurysm was complicated by massive SAH in 20 (31.7 %) cases, subarachnoid-parenchymal hemorrhage ‒ in 7 (11.1 %), subarachnoid-ventricular ‒ in 4 (6.4 %), subarachnoid-parenchymal-ventricular ‒ in 32 (50.8 %). The distribution by severity of hemorrhage on the Hunt‒Hess scale was as follows: grade II ‒ 10 (15.9 %) cases, grade III ‒ 26 (34.9 %), grade IV ‒ 27 (49.2 %). According to the Fisher radiological scale, grade III hemorrhage was noted in 20 (31.7 %) cases, IV ‒ in 43 (68.3 %) cases. Analysis using the Graeb scale showed the absence of blood in the ventricular system in 27 (42.9 %) cases, 1‒3 points ‒ in 9 (14.3 %), 4‒6 points ‒ in 12 (19.0 %), 7–12 points ‒ in 15 (28.8 %).Conclusions. Rupture of aneurysms of the ACA complex, accompanied by severe complicated SAH in patients operated on by microsurgery, and aneurysms of the VBB in persons operated on endovascularly, increases the risk of SDH. Endovascular occlusion of ruptured aneurysms does not increase the risk of SDH. The severity of hemorrhages of III–IV degree on the Hunt‒Hess scale and III–IV degree on the Fisher scale are predictors of SDH development.

Abdominal pseudocysts, an unusual complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems: Literature systematic review.

Since the first report in 1954, abdominal pseudocysts have been recognized as a particularly uncommon complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts of CSF, so their etiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic management remain very controversial. Our objective is to offer a critical and updated systematic review of those controversial points, using a thorough search and review of the most relevant literature available. The clinical presentation of pseudocysts is normally through non-specific abdominal symptoms. The most validated etiology consists on the existence of a concomitant infection of the CSF shunt system, and so, treatment needs of antibiotherapy and total or partial substitution of the system. However, the pseudocyst itself doesn't need an active treatment, except for some specific cases. This management, algorithmically presented in the present work, achieves a lower recurrence rate than other options, but this one is still important, and is also associated with other complications of those shunts related with several other factors which need to be taken in account.

Complete intracranial migration of ventriculoperitoneal shunt-a rare complication

Background: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is one of the most common procedures for the treatment of hydrocephalus. However, there are a number of complications associated with it. Case Presentation: We aim to present a rare complication of complete intraventricular migration of the VPS system. Our patient was a 12-month-old child who presented 8 months following placement of a right VPS for congenital hydrocephalus. He complained of progressive enlargement of head and vomiting. Examination did not reveal any palpable shunt under the skin on head, neck, or torso. An X-ray showed the presence of the complete shunt coiled within the ventricles. The shunt was removed endoscopically and third ventriculostomy was performed. Conclusion: Complete intracranial migration of VPS is a rare complication and can be avoided by making a small burr hole and careful anchoring of shunt. Trans-cranial endoscope is a useful tool for retrieval in such case and avoid more invasive procedure.

SURG-02. INITIAL MANAGEMENT OF HYDROCEPHALUS IN THE PEDIATRIC AND YOUNG-ADULT PATIENTS WITH BRAIN TUMORS; THE EFFICACY OF LONG-TERM INDWELLING EXTERNAL VENTRICULAR DRAINAGE

BACKGROUNDPediatric and Young-Adult (AYA) brain tumors often present with hydrocephalus. As temporary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure, we perform long-term indwelling external ventricular drainage (EVD) in the case of the management of CSF diversion more than two weeks presumably. The aim of this study is to investigate the initial management for hydrocephalus in pediatric /AYA patients with brain tumor, especially about long-term EVD.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe patients less than 30 years of age diagnosed with brain tumor between 2005 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Procedures of long-term EVD were similar to that of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) operation. Using flow-control VPS system, peritoneal catheter passed out of the body at the anterior chest, and distal end of the catheter was connected to standard EVD system.RESULTSIn total of 345 patients with brain tumor, 109 had hydrocephalus at presentation. Among them, 25 patients (23%) underwent long-term EVD. The main reasons for selecting long-term EVD were to avoid intraperitoneal dissemination (n=13), and to maintain longer period of CSF diversion for the treatment of tumor (n=12). The median of long-term EVD was 38 days (range: 12 – 222 days). Although one case suffered from drainage tube occlusion at 59 days, there were no other complications such as infection or accidental evulsion. Eventually, 3 cases required permanent VPS for persistent hydrocephalus.CONCLUSIONLong-term EVD is safe and effective option for CSF diversion. This procedure should be taken into consideration if patients have a risk of dissemination and may elude permanent VPS.

Complications After Dual Placement of a Baclofen Pump and Ventricular Shunt in Individuals With Severe Brain Injury

ObjectiveTo assess the complications of dual placement of an intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in people with severe brain injury. DesignCase series. SettingReferral center, ambulatory, and hospitalized care. ParticipantsReferred sample (N=9) composed of 5 men and 4 women with severe brain injuries (5 traumatic brain injuries, 3 subarachnoid hemorrhages, 1 intracerebral hemorrhage) and a mean disease duration of 6±4.5 years (range, 0.5-11.4y). InterventionBoth systems (ie, an ITB device and a VPS system) were implanted in all participants. Main Outcome MeasuresWe assessed the number and type of complications that occurred after implantation of the second system, as well as subsequent interventions. ResultsThe ITB delivery system was implanted after the VPS system in 5 patients (ITB group), and the VPS system was the second implanted system in 4 groups (VPS group). Seven complications occurred in 7 patients after implantation of the second system, 4 in the ITB group and 3 in the VPS group. Three of the complications were drug-related, 2 were procedure-related, and 2 were device-related. The complication occurred within 4 days after implantation of the second system in 6 patients. ConclusionsComplications are frequent in patients who undergo implantation of both an ITB delivery device and a VPS system. Drug-related complications were more common. Complications occurred more often when an ITB device was implanted as the second system. The critical period is the first 4 days.

Ventriculo-peritoneal shunting devices for hydrocephalus.

Ventriculo-peritoneal shunting devices for hydrocephalus.

Outcomes of Cranioplasty Using Autologous Bone or 3D-Customized Titanium Mesh Following Decompressive Craniectomy for Traumatic Brain Injury: Differences in Complications

Purpose Cranioplasty (CP) is often required for survival after decompressive craniectomy. Several materials, including autologous bone and various artificial materials, have been introduced for CP, but it remains unclear which material is best for CP. This study aimed to explore differences in complications between patients who underwent CP using an autologous bone flap versus a three-dimensional (3D) titanium mesh and to identify significant risk factors for post-CP complications. Methods In total, 44 patients were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups (autologous bone vs. 3D titanium mesh). In both groups, various post-CP complications were evaluated. Through a comparative analysis, we aimed to identify differences in complications between the two groups and, using binary logistic analysis, to determine significant factors associated with complications after CP. Results In the autologous bone flap group, there were three cases of surgical infection (3/24, 12.5%) and 11 cases of bone flap resorption (BFR) (11/24, 45.83%). In the 3D titanium mesh group, there was only one case of surgical infection (1/20, 5%) and 11 cases of various complications, including mainly cosmetic issues (11/20, 55%). A subgroup risk factor analysis of CP with an autologous bone flap showed no risk factors that predicted BFR with statistical significance, although a marginal association was found between larger bone flaps and BFR (odds ratio [OR]=1.037, p=0.090). In patients treated with a 3D titanium mesh, multivariate analysis revealed that only the existence of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt system was strongly associated with overall post-CP complications (OR=18.66, p=0.021). Conclusions Depending on which material was used, different complications could occur, and the rate of complications was relatively high in both groups. Hence, the material selected for CP should be selected based on individual patients’ conditions. Keywords: Cranioplasty; Complications; Autologous bone; Titanium

Inflammation and obstruction of distal catheter slits in ventriculoperitoneal shunts: likely role of graphite.

Tissue reactions that contribute to obstruction of peritoneal catheters in ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems are not well characterized. Several recent rapid obstructions in children prompted a retrospective quality assurance review. The authors conducted a detailed investigation of 22 surgically explanted peritoneal shunt catheters and 8 autopsy cases with documented distal shunt obstruction. Patients' medical histories were reviewed, and the catheters and/or tissues were subjected to conventional histological and immunohistochemical evaluations. In addition, 3 cases were subjected to electron microscopic examination including elemental analysis. The majority of symptomatic obstructions were associated with distal slit catheters (17 slit, 3 open-end, and 2 unknown type). Among the autopsy cases, deaths were attributed to shunt failure in 2 cases of slit catheter obstruction, 1 case of open-end catheter obstruction, and 1 case of catheter withdrawal from the peritoneal cavity. The early tissue response consisted of a predominantly T lymphocyte accumulation with phagocytosis of graphite particles by macrophages. This is associated with proliferation of fibroblasts, mesothelial cells, and blood vessels, which can grow through the slits and occlude the catheter lumen. As the inflammation subsides after approximately 1 year, the tissue plug becomes collagenized and calcified. This study, supported by experimental literature in other organ systems, indicates that graphite used to coat the slit openings of distal catheters from ventriculoperitoneal shunts likely predisposes to obstruction. Neurosurgeons and manufacturers should consider the potential negative consequences of this shunt design. The authors concur with previous recommendations that slit-valve distal catheters should not be used for ventriculoperitoneal shunting unless they can be proven safe and efficacious in a controlled trial.

OBSTRUCTIVE HYDROCEPHALUS;

Introduction: Management of Hydrocephalus has always amazed and challenged clinicians throughout the history of medicine. The traditional treatment for all forms of hydrocephalus has been the implantation of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt (VPS) system. Because of deployment of implant, this procedure inherently associated with certain common complications, infection approximately 24.6% of all shunt operations. Moreover, the risk of postoperative seizures is 25% and intracranial hemorrhage is 3.5%. Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) is a surgical procedure that allows the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) to flow directly from the third ventricle to the basal cisterns and subarachnoid spaces, ETV has been established as a safe treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus because in this procedure there is no implant is deployed, that’s why rate of post operative complications is low as compare to VPS as intracranial infection found in 8% patient, intracranial hemorrhage in 5%and 1% patient developed seizure post ETV. Objectives: Objective of this study is to determine the frequency of short term complications of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in obstructive hydrocephalus. Study Design: Descriptive case series. Setting: Department of Neurosurgery, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. Duration with Dates: Six months: from 01-07-2011 to 31-12-2011. Methods: This was a prospective study of in which 45 patients underwent Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for Obstructive hydrocephalus. The outcome of interest was to assess the frequency of complications like infection, hemorrhage and seizures following the ETV in patient with obstructive hydrocephalus. Data was collected on a specially designed Performa. Demographic details, signs and symptoms at presentation, details of post operative evaluation (mortality and neurological deficiency) were noted. Results: A total of 45 patients underwent in ETV for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. Complications were observed in eight (17.8%) cases in which five patients had only one complication and three patients had multiple (two) complications. Regarding type of complication, Infection was observed in six (13.3%) cases, hemorrhage was observed in four (8.9%) cases and wound CSF leakages was seen in only one (2.2%) case. Conclusion: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is recent advances in the management of obstructive hydrocephalus, it has lesser complications (Infection, Hemorrhage, seizures) and long term failure rate is low as compare to the traditional treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus.

Fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo y erosión ósea por quistes en neurocisticercosis de cisterna basal tratada por endoscopía

Introduction: The extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis and the racemose form are very predisposed to complications. Subarachnoid sellar cysts are rare, are associated with intracranial hypertension and disorders visual fields. Clinical case: A 63-year-old male patient with racemose neurocysticercosis, hydrocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid fistula. He underwent transnasal endoscopy, removal of cysts from the sphenoid sinus, sellar, suprasellar, and prepontine regions, and fistula closure. He also presented erosion in the temporal bone and dural fistula, which were closed through microsurgery and endoscopy. The patient had a favorable initial evolution, with spastic quadriparesis, which improved with rehabilitation. Subsequently he presented episodes of ventriculoperitoneal shunt system dysfunction. Conclusion: Neuroendoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic method of various forms of neurocysticercosis. Extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis is able to produce bone and dural erosion, so must be considered in the differential diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid. Keywords Neurocysticercosis, Fistula, Neuroendoscopy, Sphenoid sinus, Cysts (source: MeSH NLM)

Fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo y erosión ósea por quistes en neurocisticercosis de cisterna basal tratada por endoscopía

Introduction: The extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis and the racemose form are very predisposed to complications. Subarachnoid sellar cysts are rare, are associated with intracranial hypertension and disorders visual fields. Clinical case: A 63-year-old male patient with racemose neurocysticercosis, hydrocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid fistula. He underwent transnasal endoscopy, removal of cysts from the sphenoid sinus, sellar, suprasellar, and prepontine regions, and fistula closure. He also presented erosion in the temporal bone and dural fistula, which were closed through microsurgery and endoscopy. The patient had a favorable initial evolution, with spastic quadriparesis, which improved with rehabilitation. Subsequently he presented episodes of ventriculoperitoneal shunt system dysfunction. Conclusion: Neuroendoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic method of various forms of neurocysticercosis. Extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis is able to produce bone and dural erosion, so must be considered in the differential diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid. Keywords Neurocysticercosis, Fistula, Neuroendoscopy, Sphenoid sinus, Cysts (source: MeSH NLM)

Surgical treatment of post-inflammatory hydrocephalus. Analysis of 101 cases

ObjectiveThe aim of this paper was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment for post-inflammatory hydrocephalus in pediatric patients. The patient’s age, surgical technique and type of implants, revision rate (depending on the cause for revision and shunt type), and final outcome measured with Neurologic Outcome Scale for Infants and Children (NOSIC) scale were evaluated.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 101 patients with post-inflammatory hydrocephalus, treated in Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute since 2005. Children with comorbidities (e.g., tumors or hemorrhages) were excluded from the study. The assessment included patient age, surgical technique (ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) or neuroendoscopy) and type of implant, revision rate (considering its cause), and final outcome measured in Neurologic Outcome Scale for Infants and Children (NOSIC) scale.ResultsVPS implantation was the most common surgical technique. It was performed in 66.33% (n = 67) of cases. Neuroendoscopic procedure was used in 33.66% of cases (n = 34). Revision rate of VPS was 52.23% (n = 35). Endoscopic third ventricle ventriculostomy (ETV) was efficient only in 5 cases (14.7%), whereas in 29 cases (85.3%), it was followed by VPS implantation. Revision rate in VPS implantation after ETV reached 55.17% (n = 16). In all age groups, VPS implantation was the most frequently used procedure. Revisions of the shunt systems occurred most frequently in the 1–3 (n = 21 41.18%) and < 1 (n = 12, 23.53%) age ranges. The type of valve that most often underwent dysfunction was flow-regulated type (n = 23, 62.16%). The type of valve that was the least frequently revised was differential pressure type (n = 11, 17.18%). In all age groups, mechanical dysfunction was the most frequent cause of shunt disability. Average NOSIC score ranged from 39 to 98 (average 80.58, standard deviation ± 13.34). NOSIC result relative to individual operational techniques was as follows: ETV + VPS—80.17 (n = 29, standard deviation ± 11.44), VPS—80.44 (n = 67, standard deviation ± 14.30), and ETV—80.80 (n = 5, standard deviation ± 11.62). There was no difference between the outcome of the NOSIC and the type of implanted valve or its dysfunction.ConclusionsIn our analysis, post-inflammatory hydrocephalus accounts for 11.7% of all hydrocephalus types. Of post-inflammatory hydrocephalus, multiloculated type accounts for 14.9%. The most common type of surgery in these patients is implantation of the ventriculoperitoneal system. The most frequent revisions of the VPS system occur in the group of the younger children (< 3). The most common type of a dysfunction shunt is the differential pressure valve, and the rarest type the flow-regulated type. In the case of mechanical dysfunction, occlusion of the intraventricular catheter is the most common reason. ETV does not affect the frequency of VPS revisions. The average NOSIC score in children treated with hydrocephalus is below normal, and the best results are observed in the youngest children.