Study of operated hydrocephalus patients three years after surgery

The development of hydrocephalic children who had been subjected to atrial shunt operation in infancy, has been studied at the age of 3 years. Psychological investigation was carried out in 24 of the 27 surviving cases. Mental development was normal in 14 children while 10 displayed mental retardation, of whom 8 are still suited for schooling. The grave aetiologic factors are considered primarily responsible for retardation. The functional development achievable by successful surgical treatment is discussed.