Permanent pre-operative cerebrospinal fluid diversion in paediatric patients with posterior fossa tumours

J Pak Med Assoc. 2020 Jun;70(6):1101-1103.

Abstract

Management options for obstructive hydrocephalus in children with posterior fossa tumours have been debated upon throughout the course of neurosurgical practice. Permanent pre-operative CSF diversion via ventricular shunts or endoscopic third ventriculostomy have been employed to prevent the possible persistence of hydrocephalus after tumour removal, but is considered unnecessary and even dangerous amongst a large group of neurosurgeons. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature for the merits and demerits of pre-operative permanent CSF diversion in paediatric patients presenting with posterior fossa tumours.

Keywords: Posterior fossa tumour, Ventriculoperitoneal shunt, Endoscopic third ventriculostomy, Hydrocephalus..

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus* / etiology
  • Hydrocephalus* / surgery
  • Infratentorial Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Third Ventricle* / surgery
  • Ventriculostomy