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Syringopleural shunt for refractory syringomyelia: how I do it
Paolo Perrini1,2, Nicola Benedetto3, Alberto Vercelli3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, Italy. paolo.perrini@unipi.it.
Background:
Surgical treatment of syringomyelia is directed at the reconstruction of the subarachnoid space and restoration normal cerebrospinal fluid flow. Direct intervention on the syrinx is a rescue procedure and should be offered to patients with refractory syringomyelia.
Methods:
We provide an overview on indications and technique of syringopleural shunt (SPS). The procedure involves the connection of syrinx with the pleural space using a lumboperitoneal shunt. The occurrence of a negative pressure inside the pleural compartment offers an appropriate gradient for drainage from the syrinx.
Conclusions:
The SPS allows for a safe and effective treatment of persistent syringomyelia when management of the underlying cause does not yield substantial improvement.
