Congenital hydrocephalus with ventriculo-peritoneal bypass surgery: management of labor

Abstract

Background: The number of patients in reproductive age with congenital hydrocephalus and liquor-shunting operations in history is steadily increasing. The issue of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period is a very difficult task, which involves not only obstetrician-gynecologists, but also related specialists. One of the complications during pregnancy may be impaired function of the shunt, which in combination with the hypertensive form of hydrocephaly is an indication for cesarean section, in other cases, vaginal delivery is preferable. Materials and methods: The purpose of this study is the demonstration of the clinical case of pregnancy and successful vaginal delivery of the young patient with congenital hydrocephalus and ventriculo-peritoneal shunting. Discussion: This case demonstrates the advantages of vaginal delivery in patients with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt using a Kiwi vacuum extractor for shorten the second stage of labor. Conclusion: the observation and management of pregnant women with hydrocephalus and liquor-assisting surgeries in the anamnesis should be a joint both an obstetriciangynecologist, and a neurologist, and a neurosurgeon. This pathology is not a contraindication to vaginal delivery, but in the case of compensated hydrocephalus is a more preferable delivery method than cesarean section. In order to anesthetize labor, both narcotic analgesics and epidural anesthesia can be used.