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Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts in pediatric patients are an important aspect of management for patients with hydrocephalus and are fraught with complications. Surgical revision rates for VP shunts in the pediatric population are currently high, which necessitates innovation in operative techniques for placing VP shunts in attempt to decrease complication risks. Here we describe a novel approach for placement of VP shunts that we hypothesize can reduce potential morbidity among pediatric patients. By utilizing the falciform ligament of the liver and the suprahepatic recess to suspend and maintain the shunt, outcomes may portend fewer iatrogenic intra-abdominal injuries, enhanced ease of shunt removal, provide a large surface area for absorption of drained cerebrospinal fluid, and result in fewer adhesions secondary to device placement. We are referring to the operative technique as the "SupraHepatic IntraFalciform Tubing" (SHIFT) technique. In summary, the SHIFT shunt is fashioned by creating a window through the falciform ligament, inserting the shunt, and placing tubing in the suprahepatic recess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and posthemorrhagic ventricular dilation (PHVD) are important complications of prematurity with short- and long-term implications for the patient and for nursing care. Several approaches have been shown to reduce the incidence of IVH and, more recently, mitigate the impact of IVH on long-term neurodevelopment. This article discusses the pathophysiology of IVH, with a focus on prevention strategies. Posthemorrhagic ventricular dilation is a common complication of severe IVH and has implications for neurodevelopmental sequelae. Both surgical and nonsurgical interventions for PHVD are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infants with congenital or posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus may require a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt to divert the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, thus preventing increase in intracranial pressure. Knowledge on various aspects of caring for a child with a VP shunt will enable new and experienced nurses to better care for these infants and equip parents for ongoing care at home.Purpose: To review the nurses' role in care of infants with hydrocephalus, care after VP shunt placement, prevention of complications, and parental preparation for home care.Methods/search Strategy: A literature review involving electronic databases, such as CINAHL and MEDLINE, Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews, and resources from the Web sites of the National Hydrocephalus Foundation and Hydrocephalus Association, was performed to gather evidence for current practice information.Findings and Implications For Practice and Research: Vigilant care can help with early identification of potential complications. The younger the infant at VP shunt placement, the higher the occurrence of complications. All neonatal intensive care unit nurses must be equipped with knowledge and skills to care for infants with hydrocephalus and those who undergo VP shunt placement. Monitoring for early signs of increased intracranial pressure can facilitate timely diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention. Equipping families will be helpful in early identification and timely management of shunt failure. Research on infants with VP shunt placement is essential to develop appropriate guidelines and explore experiences of families to identify caregiver burden and improve parental preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement is used to treat hydrocephalus. Shunt migration following VP shunt placement has been reported. The risk factors related to this complication have not been previously evaluated to our knowledge. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to determine risk factors leading to distal catheter migration and review the literature on the current methods of management and prevention. Adult patients undergoing VP shunt placement from June 2011 to December 2013 at a single institution were identified using electronic health records. The records were reviewed for demographic and procedural information, and subsequent treatment characteristics. The parameters of patients with distal shunt migration were compared to those undergoing new VP shunt placement for the same time period. We identified 137 patients undergoing 157 new VP shunt procedures with an average age of 57.7 ± standard deviation of 18.4 years old. There were 16 distal shunt migrations. Body mass index >30 kg/m 2 and number of previous shunt procedures were found to be independent risk factors for distal catheter migration. Obesity and number of previous shunt procedures were factors for distal catheter migration. Providers and patients should be aware of these possible risk factors prior to VP shunt placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: The infectious implication of abdominal surgeries on ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunts, including simultaneous shunt placement and management of shunt infections, has been ill defined in children. Methods: We conducted a 9-year retrospective review of pediatric patients with VP shunts who underwent abdominal surgeries. Results: Forty-two patients fit criteria. The median age at shunt placement was 1.75 years, and the median time between shunt placement and abdominal surgery was 24 days. The most common procedures included gastrostomy (17), fundoplication (15), and appendectomy (3). Seven patients had simultaneous abdominal surgery and shunt placement. All patients received preoperative antibiotics. Two children developed shunt infections, both occurred after appendectomy. Both were treated with antibiotics, with one requiring shunt removal. Median length of stay was 24 days but 28 days for those with infections. Thirty-eight patients were discharged home, 3 to chronic care facilities, and 1 died. Conclusions: Infections did not occur in children with VP shunts undergoing elective abdominal procedures or procedures simultaneously with shunt insertion. Infections were seen only with emergent appendectomies, suggesting that performing gastrointestinal procedures at the time of VP shunt insertion is safe. Children with VP shunts undergoing emergent surgery for peritoneal infection warrant close observation for shunt infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A 51-year-old female with prior history of ventriculoperitoneal shunt presented with worsening abdominal distension. Her abdomen was diffusely tender and firm with a slight fluid wave. CT imaging with IV contrast was notable for a large cystic lesion in the abdominal cavity with the differential of CSF pseudocyst versus ovarian mass. She underwent paracentesis of the cyst with interventional radiology and required a revision of her ventriculoperitoneal shunt. CSF pseudocysts are a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts, however, are an important consideration in patients presenting with abdominal complaints and require specialized intervention and assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The long-term maintenance of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt function depends on the correct placement of the catheter tip in the lateral ventricle. The relationship between the location of the ventricular catheter tip and VP shunt function was analyzed in 52 patients. The location of the ventricular catheter tip was classified into one of the following five groups: (i) Group A – superior to the foramen of Monro; (ii) Group B – in the center of the lateral ventricle body; (iii) Group C – in the third ventricle; (iv) Group D – contacting the ventricle wall; and (v) Group E – in the septum pellucidum. VP shunt function was defined as well controlled hydrocephalus when the Evan’s ratio of the ventricular size was < 0.3. The VP shunt functioned well in 14 of 52 patients (26.9%), the shunt valve pressure was incorrectly set in 21 (40.4%), and irreversible shunt malfunction was identified in 17 (32.7%). Among the 14 patients with a well-functioning shunt, 13 were in Groups A or B with an odds ratio (OR) of 17.875 (p <0.05). In the 17 irreversible shunt malfunctions, 13 were identified in Groups C, D, or E with an OR of 0.123 (p <0.05). Long term VP shunt function or failure due to irreversible malfunction is directly influenced by the position of the ventricular catheter tip. Ideal points for positioning the ventricular catheter tip are superior to the foramen of Monro and in the center of the lateral ventricle body. Early shunt revision may be required for patients in whom the catheter tip contacts the ventricle wall or is located in the septum pellucidum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]