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Ventriculogastrostomy, an alternative means for CSF diversion: a preliminary study
Bulletin of the Los Angeles Neurological Societies
|October 1, 1975
Summary
Ventriculogastrostomy shows promise for managing hydrocephalus by diverting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to the stomach. While animal studies were successful, a clinical trial was halted due to infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain.
- Current management often involves shunting CSF to other body cavities.
- Gastric CSF diversion presents a potential alternative management strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of gastric cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion for hydrocephalus management.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of ventriculogastrostomy in laboratory and clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- A ventriculogastrostomy technique was developed and tested in 8 mongrel dogs.
- Surgical components and gastric mucosa were cultured for sterility.
- A clinical trial was conducted in a 3-week-old infant.
Main Results:
- All animal shunts remained patent, with no observed leakage of gastric contents.
- Cultures of the shunting system and gastric mucosa were sterile in animal models.
- The clinical trial was terminated at 3 weeks post-surgery due to E. coli ventriculitis.
Conclusions:
- Experimental evidence supports the effectiveness of ventriculogastrostomy for selected hydrocephalus cases.
- Further research is needed to address potential complications like infection.
- Gastric CSF diversion warrants consideration as a viable treatment option for hydrocephalus.