Cerebrospinal fluid diversion devices and infection. A comprehensive review

Hydrocephalus is a common neurosurgical disease affecting approximately 40 per 100,000 people. Cerebrospinal fluid diversion devices are essential in the management of this pathology. These devices include internal shunts and external ventricular drains. Infection is the most significant complication resulting from the high frequency of appearance and the consequences it involves, since it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It also involves increased hospital costs (approximately 40,000 euro per episode). In the present report the authors make a comprehensive review of cerebrospinal fluid diversion devices and their most important complication: infection. The authors make special emphasis on the epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, symptoms and signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infection.