Evaluation of Shunt Revisions in Pediatric Hydrocephalus Cases

Abstract

Introduction:Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery is one of the most commonly used methods in patients with hydrocephalus. This study aims to reveal the causes of complications and revision after shunt surgery and discuss measures that can be taken against these situations. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the shunt revisions of 248 pediatric age groups who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery due to hydrocephalus between 2000 and 2016.Results: Of the 248 patients, 127 (51.2%) were female and 121 (48.8%) were male. The mean age was 12 months. The most common etiologic cause was congenital hydrocephalus. 71 of 248 patients (28.6%) underwent revision surgery. More than one revision surgery was performed in 23 (% 32.4) of 71 patients who underwent revision surgery. Infection (21.7%) and ventricular catheter occlusion (17.1%) were the most frequent causes of revision surgery. Conclusion:The rate of revision surgery due to ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery in pediatric patients is still high despite the development of diagnosis and treatment methods and many researches about it. Investigating preventable causes of revision surgeons may help to reduce high revision rates.