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Percutaneous needle trephination for external CSF drainage: experience with 226 punctures
J Zentner1, F Duffner, E Behrens
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Bonn, Fed. Rep. of Germany.
Neurosurgical Review
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Percutaneous needle trephination is a safe and effective emergency treatment for occlusive hydrocephalus. This minimally invasive procedure for external cerebrospinal fluid drainage offers good outcomes with low complication rates.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Occlusive hydrocephalus requires prompt management, often necessitating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion.
- Emergency CSF drainage is critical in managing acute hydrocephalus to prevent neurological damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous needle trephination for emergency CSF drainage.
- To assess complication rates associated with this neurosurgical technique.
Main Methods:
- A total of 226 percutaneous needle trephinations were performed on 192 consecutive patients.
- Procedures utilized a hand-driven drill and a specialized puncture needle inserted into the lateral ventricle's anterior horn.
- External CSF drainage was maintained for an average of 7 days (range: 1-34 days).
Main Results:
- The study involved 192 patients undergoing 226 procedures for occlusive hydrocephalus.
- Infection occurred in 6.2% of cases (14 patients), and symptomatic bleeding in 0.4% (1 patient).
- All complications resolved without permanent sequelae.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous needle trephination is a simple, effective method for emergency external CSF drainage.
- This technique is recommended for managing acute hydrocephalus due to its favorable safety profile.