Evaluating the Results of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery in Pediatric Patients

Surgical placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt constitutes the most common surgical treatment for hydrocephalus in pediatric patients. However, complications of VP shunt surgery are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. We aimed to investigate the results of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement surgery in pediatric patients.

This is a single-center retrospective study performed from the 21st of March 2018 to the 21st of March 2022 in the neurosurgery ward of Akbar pediatric hospital, Mashhad, Iran. All pediatric patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement surgery with hydrocephalus were evaluated and followed.

In total, 192 patients, including 107 males (56.6%), with a mean age of 58.85 ± 41.16 months, were studied. The mean follow-up period was 26.53 ± 13.61 months. Hydrocephalus was idiopathic in the majority of patients (86.5%). The most frequent indication for surgery was brain tumor (47.7%). Cognitive, verbal, and motor development were normal in 84.5%, 72.7%, and 41.8% of cases. Shunt infection and dysfunction occurred in 8.8% and 18.2% during the follow-up period, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 23.4%.

Our study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of complications and outcomes of VP shunt surgery in pediatric patients with hydrocephalus in northeastern Iran. Further research is warranted for developing measures to prevent or reduce the prevalence of these complications.