History of hydrocephalus and its treatments

Abstract

<jats:p>Hydrocephalus has amazed and challenged clinicians throughout the history of medicine. In reviewing the treatment of hydrocephalus, the integral relationship between basic science and therapy is reaffirmed. As we embark into a new millennium, it is appropriate to reflect on the past studies of this disorder, review various attempted and currently used, and finally speculate on possible future directions in its treatment.</jats:p>

A historical glimpse into treating childhood hydrocephalus

“…Shunting childhood hydrocephalus is still the most common treatment, but endoscopic third ventriculostomy is being used more commonly. It is important to remember that in the recent past, hydrocephalus had a dismal outlook and most often met with mortality [14] (Fig. 4).…”

Trans-Anal Extrusion of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: An Unusual Complication

“…Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt represents a classical, universally accepted and commonly used surgical procedure for the management of hydrocephalus [1]. VP shunt diverts the CSF from dilated ventricular system to the peritoneal cavity for fluid absorption.…”

“…Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is one of the commonly performed procedures for the management of hydrocephalus [1]. Although shunts have decreased the mortality and morbidity associated with hydrocephalus, they are still associated with many potentially avoidable complications.…”

Microscopic supraciliary approach for terminal laminotomy for treatment of hydrocephalus: a preliminary report of eight cases

“…Since the first documented attempt to its treatment by Hippocrates in 500 B.C. (15), hydrocephalus has been a major challenge in medicine, even lasting to date. Having a wide variety of causes, time courses, presentations and complications, it has forced contemporary neurosurgeons to select CSF diversion techniques as the most common treatment.…”