Today's Problems in Hydrocephalus

Abstract

Ventriculoatrial shunts were inserted in 50 consecutive hydrocephalic children admitted to the Research and Educational Hospital of the University of Illinois in a period from October 1957 to January 1962. There were no significant differences in results between use of the Spitz-Holter and Pudenz-Heyer systems, with the possible exception of somewhat more frequent revisions needed with the latter group. Of the 50 patients, 12 have died, 25 are doing well, and 13 are doing poorly. Of the 12 in whom shunts were removed and not reinserted, 6 have died and the other 6 are doing poorly. Revisions were necessary 25 times in 13 patients, of whom 4 have died. The need for revision in a given case does not necessarily imply poor prognosis. Problems in patient selection and surgical management of hydrocephalus have been considered; they are not solved.