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Updated: Sep 12, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
14:59

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Published on: October 14, 2022

[Clinical and prognostic aspects of congenital hydrocephalus]

U Schauseil-Zipf1, E Dörpinghaus, K H Schlensker

  • 1Universitäts-Kinderklinik, Köln.

Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde : Organ Der Deutschen Gesellschaft Fur Kinderheilkunde
|August 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Congenital hydrocephalus significantly impacts infant survival and neurological outcomes. Early surgical intervention via shunting after birth, ideally after 36 weeks gestation, improves outcomes for approximately half of surviving infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neurosurgery

Context:

  • Congenital hydrocephalus presents a severe challenge in pediatric care.
  • This study analyzes clinical data from 24 infants diagnosed with this condition.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the prognosis and long-term outcomes of congenital hydrocephalus.
  • To identify factors influencing survival and neurological sequelae.
  • To assess the efficacy of early surgical management.

Summary:

  • 13 out of 24 infants died within 7 months, with a mean survival of 2 months.
  • Poor prognostic indicators included severe in-utero intracranial pressure, central nervous system (CNS) malformations, and postnatal CNS complications.
  • Among survivors, significant neurological deficits such as epilepsy, paraplegia, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability were prevalent.
  • Early shunting post-birth, preferably after 36 weeks gestation, demonstrated potential for satisfactory outcomes in about 50% of surviving patients.

Impact:

  • Highlights the critical need for timely diagnosis and intervention in congenital hydrocephalus.
  • Informs clinical decision-making regarding optimal timing for delivery and surgical management.
  • Underscores the long-term neurological challenges faced by survivors, necessitating comprehensive follow-up care.

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