Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
The safety of simultaneous cranioplasty and shunt implantation
Xiao-Feng Yang1, Hao Wang1, Liang Wen1
1a Department of Neurosurgery , First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou City , China.
Background:
A large cranial defect combined with hydrocephalus is a frequent sequela of decompressive craniectomy (DC) performed to treat malignant intracranial hypertension. Currently, many neurosurgeons perform simultaneous cranioplasty and shunt implantation on such patients, but the safety of this combined procedure remains controversial.
Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated 58 patients treated via cranioplasty and shunt implantation after DC. Twenty patients underwent simultaneous procedures (simultaneous operation group) and 38 underwent staged procedures (staged operation group). We collected and analysed demographic data, information on disease histories, and clinical findings.
Results:
The overall complication rate was 19%. The two groups did not significantly differ regarding the all-complication (30% vs. 13%), bleeding complication (0% vs. 5%), or treatment failure (15% vs. 3%) rates. However, the rate of surgical site infection/incision healing problems (25% vs. 3%) and the re-operation rate (20% vs. 3%) were significantly higher in the simultaneous operation group.
Conclusion:
Patients undergoing simultaneous cranioplasty/shunt implantation may be at a higher risk of infectious complications than those undergoing staged operations.
