Continuing experience with subgaleal shunting.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate subgaleal shunting--the diversion of cerebrospinal fluid into the subgaleal space for temporary absorption by the membranes of the scalp.


METHODS
Eighty-one (81) patients were treated over a 20-year period. There were 22 cases of hypertensive hydrocephalus, 52 cases of acute head trauma, and 7 cases of chronic subdural hematoma. The simple surgical technique is described.


RESULTS
Of the eight-one patients, 33 improved, 27 did not change, and 21 expired within 72 hours. Intracranial pressure was monitored directly in 22 cases and demonstrated that subgaleal shunting provided effective short-term treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
This simple, closed method for drainage of cerebrospinal fluid avoids the complications of open ventriculostomy or open drainage of the subdural space.
Savitz
M H
MH
Division of Neurosurgery, Nyack Hospital, NY, USA.
Malis
L I
LI
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000601:surgery*; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000379:methods*; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D019586:Intracranial Hypertension / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007427:Intracranial Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies