Ventriculo-Ureterostomy

Abstract

A procedure which permits drainage of spinal fluid from the lumbar subarachnoid space into the ureter has been in use for several years. The present modification is designed for cases in which the subarachnoid space is obliterated in the posterior fossa or spinal canal. A small-caliber poly-ethylene tube, placed subcut., connects a lateral ventricle with a ureter, the corresponding kidney being removed. The operation has been performed on 7 patients. Six were infants and are progressing favorably. In the 7th case the operation was palliative and relieved symptoms of increased intracranial pressure due to an inoperable neoplasm in the 3d ventricle.