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Control of shunt infection. Report of 150 consecutive cases

J L Venes

    Journal of Neurosurgery
    |September 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study reviewed 150 shunt procedures, finding minimal Staphylococcus epidermidis infections. A specific operative protocol effectively prevented infections, particularly in ventriculovenous shunt surgeries.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurosurgery
    • Infectious Disease

    Background:

    • Shunt procedures, including ventriculovenous, ventriculoperitoneal, and lumboperitoneal, are common in neurosurgery.
    • Shunt colonization by Staphylococcus epidermidis is a significant cause of infection and complications.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze shunt colonization by Staphylococcus epidermidis in 150 consecutive shunt procedures.
    • To identify the effectiveness of a specific operative protocol in preventing shunt infections.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of 150 consecutive ventriculovenous, ventriculoperitoneal, and lumboperitoneal shunt procedures.
    • Detailed analysis of shunt colonization, focusing on Staphylococcus epidermidis.
    • Evaluation of infection rates associated with different shunt types and operative protocols.

    Main Results:

    • One primary infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis occurred early in the series.
    • Staphylococcus epidermidis was considered a secondary invader in two additional cases.
    • No infections were observed in procedures involving primary placement or revision of ventriculovenous shunts.

    Conclusions:

    • A specific operative protocol has been highly effective in preventing Staphylococcus epidermidis shunt colonization and infection.
    • Ventriculovenous shunt procedures, when utilizing the outlined protocol, demonstrated zero infections.
    • The findings highlight the importance of meticulous surgical technique and protocol adherence in minimizing shunt-related infections.

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