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Cerebrospinal fluid shunt malfunctions: A reflective review
Sharon Y Y Low1,2,3,4, John R W Kestle5, Marion L Walker6
1Neurosurgical Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore. gmslyys@nus.edu.sg.
Insights
Pediatric hydrocephalus management relies on ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS), but complications persist. Further research and collaboration are crucial to improve shunt outcomes and reduce patient morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
Background:
- Pediatric hydrocephalus is a prevalent and complex neurological condition.
- The ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) remains the primary treatment for hydrocephalus, despite its limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS).
- To identify knowledge gaps concerning VPS.
- To discuss the future of shunts in neurosurgical practice.
Main Methods:
- A reflective review of existing literature on shunts and shunt-related complications.
- Analysis of current neurosurgical practices regarding VPS.
Main Results:
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) are associated with significant short- and long-term complications.
- There are persistent challenges in managing shunt failures and related morbidity.
Conclusions:
- An urgent need exists to enhance strategies for managing shunt failures and complications.
- Collaborative efforts among neurosurgeons are essential to develop practical approaches for minimizing shunt-related issues.
Purpose:
Pediatric hydrocephalus is a common and challenging condition. To date, the ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is still the main lifesaving treatment option. Nonetheless, it remains imperfect and is associated with multiple short- and long-term complications. This paper is a reflective review of the current state of the VPS, our knowledge gaps, and the future state of shunts in neurosurgical practice.
Methods And Results:
The authors' reflections are based on a review of shunts and shunt-related literature.
Conclusion:
Overall, there is still an urgent need for the neurosurgical community to actively improve current strategies for shunt failures and shunt-related morbidity. The authors emphasize the role of collaborative efforts amongst like-minded clinicians to establish pragmatic approaches to avoid shunt complications.
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