Anterograde ventricular irrigation during fourth ventricle region surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To reduce postoperative hydrocephalus following surgery in the region of the fourth ventricle. METHOD/TECHNIQUE: We describe the use of a conventionally placed lateral ventricular catheter to facilitate anterograde ventricular irrigation during surgery in the region of the fourth ventricle. This technique offers a safe alternative to more conventional approaches to fourth ventricular irrigation and obviates the need for placement of a third or fourth ventricular catheter and/or serial lumbar punctures by thoroughly flushing blood and tissue debris from the operative field at the time of surgery.


RESULTS
Preliminary results spanning a five-year period show a lower incidence in the need for early ventriculo-peritoneal shunts (5%) and delayed ventriculo-peritoneal shunts (10%).


CONCLUSIONS
This technique represents a safe method of reducing hydrocephalus following operative procedures in the region of the fourth ventricle.
Fleetwood
Ian G
IG
Division of Neurosurgery, Dalhousie University, Department of Surgery, Halifax Infirmary, Halifax, NS, Canada.
Hamilton
Mark G
MG
D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization; D002648:Child; D020546:Fourth Ventricle / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods*