title: Can patients with a CSF shunt SCUBA dive?
abstract: Shunt placement for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is one of the most commonly performed procedures in neurosurgery. Pleasure or sports diving is a popular sport enjoyed by millions. At present, no guidelines exist to affirm the safety of diving in the presence of a CSF shunt.
  
  
  
  Literature search and review of medical fitness regulations used by diving organisations.
  
  
  
  Although the available evidence is anecdotal, no reports of shunt-related complications exist and in vitro studies show lasting functionality.
  
  
  
  Patients with CSF shunts should undergo careful evaluation including assessment of their cognitive and physical needs as well as co-morbidities. Having a CSF shunt in situ is not in itself a contraindication to SCUBA diving.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and Vale UHB, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK. dmitri.shastin@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Dmitri
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shastin
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and Vale UHB, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK.
authors.forename: Malik
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zaben
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and Vale UHB, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leach
mesh_terms: D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects
keywords: Diving; Hydrocephalus; Safety; Shunt; Sports