A modified technique for syringo-subarachnoid shunt for treatment of syringomyelia

Syringo-subarachnoid shunting is a well-established procedure for the treatment of syringomyelia. However, the standard surgical procedure requires a laminectomy and posterior midline myelotomy, which have potential complications. In this study, we describe our clinical experience with a modified technique for syringo-subarachnoid shunt insertion in eight patients between 1998 and 2002. The technique comprises a limited hemilaminectomy, a 2 mm myelotomy at the site of dorsal root entry zone, introduction of a 1.5 mm thick catheter into the syrinx and placement of the distal tip of the catheter in the anterolateral subarachnoid space. Using this technique there was no operative morbidity or mortality. Collapse of the syrinx, in the first post-operative month, was demonstrated by MRI in all cases. There were no relapses in the follow-up period. Although our experience is limited and the results preliminary, this technique is less invasive than commonly used techniques and the results are favorable.