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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
14:59
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
What should we do with a discontinued shunt?
Yun-Ho Lee1, Eun Kyung Park, Dong-Seok Kim
1Pediatric Neurosurgery, Severance Children's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, 134 Shinchon-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, 120-752, Seoul, South Korea.
Summary
Shunt disconnection in hydrocephalus patients doesn't always mean malfunction. Many disconnected shunts may function independently, offering opportunities for shunt removal.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical device analysis
Background:
- Shunt systems are crucial for managing hydrocephalus.
- Shunt disconnection or fracture is a known complication, reported in up to 10% of cases.
- Not all shunt discontinuities indicate a failure in function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze shunt system discontinuity and associated factors.
- To evaluate the relationship between shunt disconnection and malfunction.
- To propose a follow-up policy for patients with disconnected shunts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 22 patients with shunt disconnection (January 2003 - October 2008).
- Evaluation of shunt function using shuntogram, temporary ligation, or intraoperative exploration.
- Analysis of disconnection sites and reasons.
Main Results:
- 40.9% (9 of 22) of patients presented with nonfunctioning shunts.
- Shunt removal was performed in 8 cases.
- Most discontinuations (52%) were fractures at the neck, not at the connection site.
Conclusions:
- Shunt disconnection does not invariably signify shunt malfunction.
- Many patients with disconnected shunts may be independent of the shunt system.
- Disconnection presents a potential opportunity for shunt removal.
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