Shunt dependence: myths and facts.
BACKGROUND
Chronically shunted patients are believed to be unable to have a shunt-free life. Nevertheless, sometimes shunt removal is possible after an endoscopic third ventriculostomy, even after long periods of cerebral spinal fluid diversion.


CONCLUSIONS
We perform a literature review that leads to a discussion of this subject in the light of the current medical knowledge.
Maldonado
Igor Lima
IL
Division of Neurological Surgery, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, University of Montpellier I, Montpellier, France. imaldonado@terra.com.br
Valery
Charles-Ambroise
CA
Boch
Anne-Laure
AL
D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D014696:Ventriculostomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*