ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Implantation of a CSF shunt is frequently used for the treatment of hydrocephalus. The functional survival time of a CSF shunt, however, is often limited by complications such as infection and mechanical failure. Shunt survival has improved over the last decades but still remains far from satisfactory. Shunt survival rates of 71% and 62% at one and five years, respectively, have recently been reported (1). Shunt complications not only carry a substantial risk of mortality and morbidity, but also necessitate multiple shunt revision surgeries in hydrocephalus patients. Because these shunt complications generate considerable health care costs, prevention of these complications is an important research field in shunt development. Rapid recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of shunt complications are paramount in minimizing the damaging effects of these shunt complications. However, there are no generally accepted guidelines in diagnosing and treating shunt complications. This chapter reviews recent literature on this subject and proposes recommendations for the diagnosis, clinical management, and prevention of shunt complications.
