The effect of palliative surgery on the survival of central nervous system malformations

Patients suffering from hydrocephalus alone or in combination with spinal defect were investigated in this retrospective study. The cases were grouped to those who did not have any treatment to relieve the symptoms of hydrocephalus and to those who receive certain palliative therapy. Comparisons were made between the groups regarding the life-span and the incidence of secondary complications. The life-span showed a close agreement within the groups, but the occurrence and the severity of secondary complications were found to be less in the treated group. While the reasons are acceptable which are given to select the patients for the initial closure of the spinal defect there seems to be no justification in with-holding palliative surgery for the treatment of hydrocephalus.