[Ventriculo-cardiac derivation in late complications of hemispherectomy (author's transl)]

After briefly stating the circumstances in which hemispherectomy is indicated the authors review the possible complications of the operation on the basis of available literature. Two cases are described, one with autopsy findings and the other with CAT scan data which revealed extreme dilatation of the remaining ventricle and led to the installation of a ventriculo-cardiac derivation; this case progressed favourably. The author concludes that this type of complication could be detected rapidly by CAT scanning, with no risk to the patient. Ventriculo-cardiac derivation could prevent further complications. Hemispherectomized patients must undoubtedly be monitored closely by regular clinical examinations, EEGs and CAT scanning.