Control of shunt infection

Abstract

Analysis of 150 [human] consecutive ventriculovenous, ventriculoperitoneal and lumboperitoneal shunt procedures [for hydrocephalus] was made with respect to shunt colonization by Staphylococcus epidermidis. There was 1 primary infection with S. epidermidis early in the series, and in 2 other cases the organism was a secondary invader. In those procedures involving primary placement or revision of a ventriculovenous shunt, there were no infections. The operative protocol that has virtually eliminated S. epidermidis is outlined.