Ventriculogastrostomy, an alternative means for CSF diversion: a preliminary study

Abstract

The feasibility of gastric CSF diversion in the management of hydrocephalus is evaluated in laboratory and clinical settings. A technique for ventriculogastrostomy is described and evaluated initially in 8 mongrel dogs. All distal shunts remained patent to the time of sacrifice. None of the animals exhibited leakage of gastric contents around the tubing. Cultures of the components of the shunting system and gastric mucosa were sterile. Clinical evaluation in a 3 week-old child is discussed. The trial was terminated at 3 weeks postsurgery because of the occurrance of an E. coli ventriculitis which was considered to be secondary to a preoperative conjunctivitis in which the organism was identical. It is concluded that there is good experimental evidence to support the concept of effectiveness of ventriculogastrostomy in the treatment of selected cases of hydrocephalus.