Combating complications following ventriculoperitoneal shunting in a new centre.

BACKGROUND

Over the years, different approaches to the treatment of hydrocephalus have evolved across all age groups; however, ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) remains the most widely used procedure, albeit with many complications.

AIMS: The aim of our study is to prospectively look at the incidence of complications following VPS in our centre, and to suggest ways of minimizing these complications.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Between April 2006 and March 2008, all patients who had VPS in our centre were recruited for the study using a structured protocol from the time of admission to the time of discharge; data were augmented with case notes along with clinic and theatre records. Our centre is located in south-east Nigeria, and we commenced neurosurgical services in April 2006.

RESULTS

Within this 2-year period, 49 patients were definitively diagnosed with hydrocephalus and 32 underwent VPS, following which 9 (28%) had various complications - with shunt infection being the most common (n = 3; 9.3%).

CONCLUSION

VPS is the definitive treatment modality for hydrocephalus in our centre, and shunt infection (as reported by several other authors) is the most common complication we encounter. Adopting a strict protocol for the prevention of perioperative contamination, as well as educating caregivers, is advocated to reduce this complication in any new neurosurgical centre.