Lumbar Subarachnoid-Peritoneal Shunt: Follow-up Study on 158 Cases

The development of a simplified lumbar subarachnoid-peritoneal (L-P) shunt technique was previously reported by the authors. In this procedure a spinal tube is inserted through a puncture needle, eliminating the need for laminectomy. This paper is a follow-up report presenting data based on 158 cases and 191 shuntings. Attention is focused on the types of complications and shunt troubles as well as their causes. The relationship between the incidence of shunt troubles and the use of a flushing devices was also investigated. It was concluded that shunt troubles occur more frequently when a flushing device is used. For this reason, a one-piece L-P shunt is now being studied. Finally the remaining problems in respect to L-P shunt procedures are described.