Subgaleal shunting: a 20-year experience

The authors undertook a retrospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of diverting intracranial fluid into the subgaleal space for temporary absorption by the membranes of the scalp. Eighty-one patients were treated over a 20-year period. There were 22 cases of hypertensive hydrocephalus, 52 cases of acute head trauma, and seven cases of chronic subdural hematoma. The simple surgical technique is described. Subgaleal shunting provided effective short-term treatment of hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure, which was monitored directly in 22 cases of cerebral contusion and edema. The closed method for drainage of cerebrospinal fluid avoids the complications of open ventriculostomy or open drainage of the subdural space.