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Updated: May 5, 2026
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
[Management of obstructive hydrocephalus before posterior fossa tumor resection in children]
Wenyuan Ji1, Ping Liang, Yudong Zhou
1Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.E-mail: jiwenyuanfengxue@126.com.
Insights
Ommaya reservoir drainage is a safe and effective method for managing obstructive hydrocephalus in pediatric posterior fossa tumors, showing fewer complications than ventriculo-peritoneal shunting.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Obstructive hydrocephalus is a common complication of posterior fossa tumors in children.
- Effective management of hydrocephalus is crucial before tumor resection to reduce intracranial pressure and improve surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of preoperative Ommaya external drainage versus ventriculo-peritoneal shunting for managing obstructive hydrocephalus in pediatric patients with posterior fossa tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical data from 162 pediatric patients with posterior fossa tumors and obstructive hydrocephalus.
- Patients were divided into two groups: 90 underwent preoperative Ommaya external drainage (Group A) and 72 underwent preoperative ventriculo-peritoneal shunting (Group B).
- Therapeutic effects and postoperative complications were evaluated and compared between the groups.
Main Results:
- Postoperative complications occurred in 67 cases, including infection, shunt blockage, subdural hematoma/effusion, ventricle fissure syndrome, and tumor hernia.
- A significant difference was observed in the incidence of shunt blockage (P=0.047) and subdural hematoma or effusion (P=0.039) between the groups.
- No significant differences were found in the incidences of intracranial infection (P=0.478) or tumor hernia (P=0.462).
Conclusions:
- Ommaya reservoir provides good results for treating acute hydrocephalus in children with posterior fossa tumors.
- Preoperative Ommaya external drainage is associated with less trauma and fewer complications compared to ventriculo-peritoneal shunting.
- This approach offers a simple and effective surgical option for managing hydrocephalus in this pediatric population.
Objective:
To explore the management of obstructive hydrocephalus caused by posterior fossa tumors before tumor resection in children.
Methods:
The clinical data were reviewed of 162 pediatric patients of posterior fossa tumors with obstructive hydrocephalus undergoing surgical tumor removal between January 2008 and June 2012. Ninety children received preoperative Ommaya external drainage (group A) and 72 underwent preoperative ventriculo-peritoneal shunting (V-Ps) (group B). The therapeutic effects were evaluated and compared between the two groups.
Results:
Postoperative complications found in a total of 67 cases including infection (27), shunt blockage (19), subdural hematoma or effusion (16), ventricle fissure syndrome (5), and tumor hernia (4). Significant differences were found in the incidences of shunt blockage (P=0.047) and subdural hematoma or effusion (P=0.039) but not in the incidences of intracranial infection (P=0.478) or tumor hernia (P=0.462) between the two groups.
Conclusion:
Ommaya reservoir can produce good results through simple surgical procedures for treatment of acute hydrocephalus in children with posterior fossa tumors and is associated less trauma and complications.
