F.07 Reducing ventricular shunt malfunction in the adult patient

Abstract

Background: Treatment of adult patients with hydrocephalus is often undertaken with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). Failure rates have been reported as high as 50% in the first year. Methods: A Quality Improvement (QI) model was used to evaluate and modify VPS-insertion techniques to improve outcome. Malfunction was defined as a change in neurological shunt-related function with correlated diagnostic imaging studies. Prospectively collected data from 2012-2015 was reviewed. Results: 146 patients underwent a new VPS insertion. Diagnoses were: normal pressure hydrocephalus 101 patients, acquired hydrocephalus 28 patients and chronic-congenital hydrocephalus 17 patients. 103 patients had traditional insertion of a ventricular catheter using surface landmarks with 2 catheter misplacements requiring surgery. Image guidance with electromagnetic tracking was instituted with 0 catheter misplacements in 43 consecutive patients. 121 patients had traditional minilaparotomy/trocar placement of the peritoneal catheter with 59/121 (49%) experiencing shunt malfunction and 35/59 (59%) experiencing a second malfunction requiring surgery. Laparoscopic insertion of the peritoneal catheter was instituted in 25 consecutive patients with 3 (12%) distal obstructions. Laparoscopy was also used in 13 patients undergoing VPS revision with 2 (15%) experiencing subsequent malfunction. Conclusions: Changes to standard VPS surgical treatment including the addition of image-guidance and laparoscopic surgical techniques were associated with a significant decrease in shunt malfunction requiring surgery.