Lumboperitoneal shunts in children.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the safety and efficacy of lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts in carefully selected children with abnormalities of the absorption of cerebrospinal fluid.


METHODS
Magnetic resonance imaging studies, indications for treatment and pre- and postoperative symptoms of 25 patients (mean age 9.6 years) who had undergone LP shunting in the past 10 years in a single pediatric neurosurgical practice were analyzed retrospectively.


RESULTS
Indications for treatment included postoperative pseudomeningocele, pseudotumor cerebri and a severe form of slit ventricle syndrome. Preoperative symptoms resolved completely in all 25 patients as a result of the shunt, and no patient developed symptomatic or radiographic hindbrain herniation. Twenty-one shunts incorporated valve mechanisms.


CONCLUSIONS
LP shunts may be used for specific indications without excessive risk of hindbrain herniation.
Rekate
Harold L
HL
Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, 2910 N Third Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA. Harold.rekate@bnaneuro.net
Wallace
Donna
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004677:Encephalocele / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007223:Infant; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies