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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Management of infantile hydrocephalus in Central Africa
1College of Medicine, University of Malawi Blantyre, Central Africa.
Insights
Pediatric hydrocephalus in Central Africa stems from congenital and infectious origins, often diagnosed via cranial ultrasonography. Locally made shunts show promising results, with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) as a future alternative.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurosurgery
- Global health
Background:
- Hydrocephalus in infants under one year in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe is primarily caused by congenital and infectious factors.
- Children typically present for medical attention around three months of age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus in Central Africa.
- To evaluate the efficacy of locally manufactured shunts and consider future treatment alternatives.
Main Methods:
- Clinical diagnosis of hydrocephalus.
- Confirmation using cranial ultrasonography.
- Surgical intervention via ventriculo-peritoneal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion using locally made shunts.
Main Results:
- Congenital and infective causes are predominant in pediatric hydrocephalus.
- Ventriculo-peritoneal CSF diversion with locally manufactured shunts yielded satisfactory outcomes.
- Results were comparable to those achieved with conventional shunts.
Conclusions:
- Hydrocephalus in young children in this region requires prompt diagnosis and intervention.
- Locally sourced shunts offer a viable and effective treatment option.
- Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) presents a promising alternative for future management, reducing reliance on shunting procedures.
Abstract:
Hydrocephalus in children in the first year of life in the Central African countries of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe is due mainly to congenital and infective causes. The children first present in hospital around the age of 3 months. The clinical diagnosis is confirmed by cranial ultrasonography. Ventriculo-peritoneal CSF diversion is performed using locally made shunts (Harare, Malawi) which have given satisfactory results comparable to those from conventional shunts. The use of ETV should be explored for the future treatment of hydrocephalus as an alternative to shunting procedures.
