Outcome analysis of shunt surgery in hydrocephalus

• Main Authors: Ahmed Ashraf, Sandlas Gursev, Kothari Paras, Sarda Dinesh, Gupta Abhaya, Karkera Parag, Joshi Prashant
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2009-01-01
• Series: Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons
• Subjects: Complications; hydrocephalus; outcome; shunt surgery; shunt revision
• Online Access: http://www.jiaps.com/article.asp?issn=0971-9261;year=2009;volume=14;issue=3;spage=98;epage=101;aulast=Ahmed

<b>Aim:</b> To study the clinical outcome of shunt surgeries in children suffering from hydrocephalus. <b> Methods:</b> A prospective study of 50 children with hydrocephalus who underwent a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt insertion over a period of two years. These patients were then followed up for shunt related complications, shunt revisions and outcome. <b> Results</b> : Twenty six of the 50 patients (52&#x0025;) suffered from complications. The most common complications were shunt blockage (n=7) and shunt infection (n=6). These complications necessitated repeated shunt revisions. <b> Conclusions:</b> Infective complications of hydrocephalus are more likely to leave behind an adverse neurological outcome in the form of delayed milestones and mental retardation.