Ventriculoperitonealshunt, programmable or non-programmable

Abstract EN

Background : Hydrocephalus is dilatation of the ventricular system due to excessive production and / or obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways.

Different surgical procedure are used to treat this disease.

Ventriculo peritoneal shunt is by far the most popular technique for CSF diversion.

Objective : To compare the programmable and non-programmable valves regarding the complications of both types.

Methods : This study was conducted in the Neurosurgical hospital of Baghdad / Iraq over a period of 3 years from July 2008 to August 2011.

A special inclusion criteria has been tabulated for the selection of patients.

Results : Fifty cases with hydrocephalus admitted and diagnosed by CT scan and treated by ventriculoperitoneal shunts (Codman type).

There were 11 cases with programmable valves that demanded revision and 6 patients with fixed pressure valves required revision.

Conclusions : The programmable shunt had lower complication rate in adults and it should be used cautiously in infants because of the higher complication rates.