Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 19, 2025
14:59
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
9.4K
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt without Hair Shaving Using Absorbable Suture Materials.
Yun Ho Lee1, Young Sub Kwon1, Jin Mo Cho2
1Department of Neurosurgery, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea.
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
|June 5, 2020
Summary
Preoperative hair removal before ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery is not necessary to prevent infections. Studies show that patients undergoing VP shunt procedures without shaving had no infections, suggesting it may be a safe alternative.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Disease Prevention
- Surgical Site Infections
Background:
- Infection is a significant complication following ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery.
- Preoperative hair removal is a traditional method to minimize infection risk.
- The necessity and impact of preoperative hair removal on VP shunt infection rates require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of infection in patients undergoing VP shunt surgery with and without preoperative hair removal.
- To compare infection outcomes between shaved and unshaven patient groups.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 82 patients who underwent VP shunt surgery between March 2010 and March 2017.
- Patients were divided into two groups: shaved (n=46) and non-shaved (n=36).
- Wound closure techniques differed: absorbable sutures for the non-shaved group and Nylon sutures/staples for the shaved group.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in average patient age between the groups.
- Zero infections were reported in the non-shaved group.
- Two infections occurred in the shaved group, necessitating shunt revision.
Conclusions:
- VP shunt surgery can be safely performed without preoperative hair removal.
- Non-shaved procedures do not appear to increase the risk of infection.
- Avoiding preoperative hair removal may enhance patient satisfaction without compromising safety.
