The results of a practice survey on the management of patients with shunted hydrocephalus

The care of patients with shunted hydrocephalus is one of the most common clinical problems facing a pediatric neurosurgeon. Despite the prevalence of this clinical entity, it is our impression that the management strategies for these patients vary significantly amongst pediatric neurosurgeons. In an effort to better understand how varied these practices are, we surveyed 261 neurosurgeons with an expressed interest in pediatric neurosurgery, of whom 149 (57%) responded. The survey contained questions pertaining to preoperative and intraoperative management, choice of shunt valve, treatment philosophies with respect to shunt revision, evaluation process for potential shunt malfunction, treatment strategies for shunt infections and routine follow-up care. The answers to the questions confirmed our expectations that there are a variety of ways to manage these patients.