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Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
14:59

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Published on: October 14, 2022

Hydrocephalus and shunts in children with brain tumors

J A Ryan1, T Shiminski-Maher

  • 1Division of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing : Official Journal of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses
|October 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric neuro-oncology patients with brain tumors may need shunts to treat hydrocephalus. Nurses require specialized knowledge for shunt care, covering fluid dynamics, placement, and potential complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neuro-oncology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Pediatric Nursing

Background:

  • Children with brain tumors often develop hydrocephalus, requiring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting.
  • Effective management necessitates interdisciplinary, multispecialty care.
  • Pediatric oncology nurses play a crucial role in shunt management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide pediatric oncology nurses with essential knowledge for caring for children with shunts.
  • To review the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus and CSF flow.
  • To detail shunt placement criteria and potential complications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pediatric neuro-oncology, hydrocephalus, and shunt management.
  • Focus on ventriculoperitoneal shunts commonly used in pediatric patients.
  • Emphasis on nursing considerations and best practices.

Main Results:

  • Understanding CSF dynamics and hydrocephalus is key to effective shunting.
  • Shunt placement is determined by specific clinical and radiological factors.
  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunts carry risks including infection, malfunction, and obstruction.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric oncology nurses must be proficient in managing shunted hydrocephalus.
  • Comprehensive care involves recognizing and addressing shunt-related complications.
  • This knowledge empowers nurses to optimize patient outcomes in pediatric neuro-oncology.

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