Ventriculosubgaleal shunts in the management of infective hydrocephalus

Temporary diversion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is often required due to patient and CSF related factors, of which infection is a significant one. The various methods available have significant disadvantages. Ventriculosubgaleal shunts (VSG) have been earlier demonstrated to be useful in a variety of circumstances.

Hospital charts of 21 consecutive children during a 4-year period were analyzed retrospectively. Infection was defined based on a positive CSF culture or a history of recently treated meningitis with abnormal CSF findings. The conversion to a permanent shunt was based on normalization of CSF values in a functioning VSG shunt or when the VSG shunt is ineffective. The end point was control of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) features and infection.

The ages ranged from 1 month to 7 years with a median age of 2 months. Five (23.8%) were born premature. Twelve children (57.1%) had a previously untreated hydrocephalus, whereas nine (42.8%) had undergone some procedure. A positive CSF culture was obtained in ten (47.6%). Repeat VSG shunts were required in five children (23.8%). Seventeen (80.9%) of these children underwent conversion to a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Of the remaining four, one did well without any further procedure, two died due to their primary problems, and one refused any further procedure due to poor neurological status. There were two wound complications-one CSF leak and one shunt migration.

VSG shunts are a simple and efficient way of managing infective hydrocephalus.