Ventriculosubgaleal shunt: an institutional experience

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Neurology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Ventriculosubgaleal shunt (VSGS) provides temporary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in infants.
• It is considered for hydrocephalus in preterm infants with low birth weight (LBW) and immaturity.
• VSGS is a closed system, suitable for vulnerable infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of VSGS in preventing Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement.
• To assess VSGS as a temporary management option for post-hemorrhagic/post-infectious hydrocephalus in infants.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving 30 infants.
• VSGS insertion was performed between August 2017 and October 2020.
• Follow-up duration was 6 months post-insertion.

Main Results:

• 13 out of 30 infants (43.3%) did not require a VP shunt.
• Success rates were 50% in the post-infectious group and 38.8% in the post-hemorrhagic group.
• Complications included CSF leak (13.3%) and wound dehiscence (6.6%); no blockage, migration, or infection occurred.

Conclusions:

• VSGS is a reliable, safe, and easily performed temporary treatment for infant hydrocephalus.
• It effectively helps avoid long-term VP shunt dependency in a significant proportion of cases.
• The procedure is well-tolerated with manageable complications.