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Şahin Y, Sayın E, Aslan Y, Bayri Y. Comparative analysis of linezolid, vancomycin, and hyperbaric oxygen therapies in a rat model of ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection. Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:1765-1769. [PMID: 38316673 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06305-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most common causative microorganism of ventriculoperitoneal shunt infections. This study aimed to compare linezolid and vancomycin treatments and to examine the effect of these antibiotics alone and combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the amount of bacterial colonies in the experimental S. epidermidis shunt infection model. METHODS A shunt catheter was placed in the cisterna magna of 49 adult male Wistar albino rats. The rats were randomly divided into seven groups, as follows: sterile control, infected control, vancomycin, linezolid, hyperbaric oxygen, vancomycin + hyperbaric oxygen, linezolid + hyperbaric oxygen. In all groups except the sterile control group, 0.2 ml 107 CFU/mL S. epidermidis was inoculated to the cisterna magna. Parenteral vancomycin was administered 40 mg/kg/day to the vancomycin groups, and 50 mg/kg/day of enteral linezolid to the linezolid groups. Hyperbaric oxygen groups were given 100% oxygen at a pressure of 2.4 ATA for 50 min a day. One day after the last treatment, colony quantities in the shunt catheters and CSF were analyzed. RESULTS The number of CSF colonies in the linezolid group was significantly lower than in the vancomycin group (p < 0.05). The number of CSF colonies in the linezolid + HBO group was significantly lower than in the vancomycin + HBO group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Linezolid treatment was found to be more effective than vancomycin in ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection caused by S. epidermidis. There was no statistical difference among other treatment groups. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is shown to contribute to the sterilization of cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yener Şahin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elvan Sayın
- Department of Microbiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Aslan
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, TR Health Ministry Health Sciences University Istanbul Sultan Abdülhamit Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yaşar Bayri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Boban M, Mathew J, Thien A. Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery in Brunei Darussalam: A Population-Based Perspective. Asian J Neurosurg 2023; 18:597-601. [PMID: 38152520 PMCID: PMC10749857 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1774395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery is commonly performed to treat hydrocephalus. We aimed to characterize the demographics, complications, and outcomes of patients who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery in Brunei Darussalam. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective study on patients who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery at the Neurosurgery Department of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital and Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre between January 2015 and June 2020. Statistical Analysis All statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York, United States). The χ 2 test, Student's t -test, and Mann-Whitney U test were performed for nominal, normally, and non-normally distributed variables, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the predictors of complications and shunt failure. Results Fifty-three patients with a median age of 33 (interquartile range, 4-49) years were included. A total of 53 shunt operations were performed: 18 in the pediatric population and 35 in adults. The overall complication rate was 22.6%. Infection was the most common (9.4%) complication, with coagulase-negative staphylococci being the common organism causing the infection. The shunt failure rate (defined as removal or revision) was 20.8%. Univariate and multivariate analyses did not identify factors associated with complications or shunt failure. Conclusion Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery, a common and technically non-demanding neurosurgical procedure, is associated with significant complications. We highlighted that shunt infection remains a concern and advocate practices to negate this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin Boban
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brunei Neuroscience, Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre, Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - John Mathew
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brunei Neuroscience, Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre, Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Ady Thien
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brunei Neuroscience, Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre, Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam
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Muram S, Isaacs AM, Sader N, Holubkov R, Fong A, Conly J, Hamilton MG. A standardized infection prevention bundle for reduction of CSF shunt infections in adult ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery performed without antibiotic-impregnated catheters. J Neurosurg 2023; 138:494-502. [PMID: 35916085 DOI: 10.3171/2022.5.jns22430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion and revision surgeries are some of the most common procedures that are performed by neurosurgeons. Shunt infections within the adult population are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and rates remain high. The objective of the current study was to use quality improvement (QI) methodology to create a standardized infection prevention bundle aimed at reducing the rate of shunt infections. METHODS A prospective, single-center, single-surgeon QI study was undertaken. Patients were included if they were 18 years of age or older and were undergoing a VP shunt insertion or revision. The primary outcome of the study was the development of a shunt-related surgical site infection, within 1 year of surgery, as defined according to the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program guidelines. There was no standardized protocol prior to July 2013. A bundle coined as the Calgary Adult Shunt Infection Prevention Protocol (CASIPP) was implemented on July 1, 2013, and updated on July 1, 2015, when 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol replaced povidone-iodine for preoperative skin antisepsis. Protocol compliance was regularly monitored using a standardized process. No antibiotic-impregnated catheters were used. RESULTS A total of 621 consecutive VP shunt insertions and revisions were included in the study. The rate of shunt infection was 5.8% during the period in which there was no standardized shunt protocol. After the implementation of the CASIPP the infection rate decreased to 4.0%, and after introduction of the chlorhexidine/alcohol skin antisepsis, the infection rate was 0% in 379 consecutive procedures (p < 0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the use of chlorhexidine/alcohol with CASIPP was associated with a significant reduction in the odds of developing a shunt infection (OR 0.032, 95% CI 0-0.19, p = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS The implementation of a standardized shunt infection prevention bundle within the adult population, without the use of antibiotic-impregnated catheters, significantly reduced the rate of shunt infections which was sustained over many years. The use of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol for preoperative antisepsis may have played a significant role. Multicenter studies should be completed to verify the effectiveness of the authors' protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Muram
- 1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Calgary, Alberta.,2Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Albert M Isaacs
- 1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Calgary, Alberta.,2Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicholas Sader
- 1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Calgary, Alberta.,2Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Annie Fong
- 2Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,4Infection Prevention and Control, Alberta Health Services, Calgary
| | - John Conly
- 4Infection Prevention and Control, Alberta Health Services, Calgary.,8O'Brien Institute for Public Health; and
| | - Mark G Hamilton
- 1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Calgary, Alberta.,2Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,9The Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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4
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Ruiz Colón GD, Wu A, Ratliff JK, Prolo LM. Quality and patient safety research in pediatric neurosurgery: a review. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:1147-1158. [PMID: 36695845 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05821-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2001, the National Academy of Medicine, formerly known as the Institute of Medicine (IOM), published their seminal work, Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century. In this work, the authors called for improved safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equity in the United States' healthcare system. Two decades after the publication of this work, healthcare costs continue to rise, but outcomes lag other nations. The objective of this narrative review is to describe research efforts in pediatric neurosurgery with respect to the six quality aims proposed by the IOM, and highlight additional research opportunities. METHODS PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost were queried to identify studies in pediatric neurosurgery that have addressed the aims proposed by the IOM. Studies were summarized and synthesized to develop a set of research opportunities to advance quality of care. RESULTS Twenty-three studies were reviewed which focused on the six quality aims proposed by the IOM. Out of these studies, five research opportunities emerged: (1) To examine performance of tools of care, (2) To understand processes surrounding care delivery, (3) To conduct cost-effectiveness analyses for a broader range of neurosurgical conditions, (4) To identify barriers driving healthcare disparities, and (5) To understand patients' and caregivers' experiences receiving care, and subsequently develop tools and programs to address their needs and preferences. CONCLUSION There is a growing body of literature examining quality in pediatric neurosurgical care across all aims proposed by the IOM. However, there remains important gaps in the literature that, if addressed, will advance the quality of pediatric neurosurgical care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela D Ruiz Colón
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Adela Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - John K Ratliff
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Laura M Prolo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA. .,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
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Mallucci CL, Jenkinson MD, Conroy EJ, Hartley JC, Brown M, Moitt T, Dalton J, Kearns T, Griffiths MJ, Culeddu G, Solomon T, Hughes D, Gamble C. Silver-impregnated, antibiotic-impregnated or non-impregnated ventriculoperitoneal shunts to prevent shunt infection: the BASICS three-arm RCT. Health Technol Assess 2021; 24:1-114. [PMID: 32238262 DOI: 10.3310/hta24170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to treat hydrocephalus is one of the most common neurosurgical procedures worldwide. Shunt infection affects up to 15% of patients, resulting in long hospital stays, multiple surgeries and reduced cognition and quality of life. OBJECTIVES The aim of this trial was to determine whether or not antibiotic-impregnated ventriculoperitoneal shunts (hereafter referred to as antibiotic shunts) (e.g. impregnated with rifampicin and clindamycin) or silver-impregnated ventriculoperitoneal shunts (hereafter referred to as silver shunts) reduce infection compared with standard ventriculoperitoneal shunts (hereafter referred to as standard shunts). DESIGN This was a three-arm, superiority, multicentre, parallel-group randomised controlled trial. Patients and a central primary outcome review panel, but not surgeons or operating staff, were blinded to the type of ventriculoperitoneal shunt inserted. SETTING The trial was set in 21 neurosurgical wards across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. PARTICIPANTS Participants were patients with hydrocephalus of any aetiology who were undergoing insertion of their first ventriculoperitoneal shunt. INTERVENTIONS Participants were allocated 1 : 1 : 1 by pressure-sealed envelope to receive a standard non-impregnated, silver-impregnated or antibiotic-impregnated ventriculoperitoneal shunt at the time of insertion. Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are medical devices, and were used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for their intended purpose. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was time to ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure due to infection. Secondary outcomes were time to failure for any cause, reason for failure (infection, mechanical), types of ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection, rate of infection after first clean (non-infected) revision and health economics. Outcomes were analysed by intention to treat. RESULTS Between 26 June 2013 and 9 October 2017, 1605 patients from neonate to 91 years of age were randomised to the trial: n = 36 to the standard shunt, n = 538 to the antibiotic shunt and n = 531 to the silver shunt. Patients who did not receive a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (n = 4) or who had an infection at the time of insertion (n = 7) were not assessed for the primary outcome. Infection occurred in 6.0% (n = 32/533) of those who received the standard shunt, in 2.2% (n = 12/535) of those who received the antibiotic shunt and in 5.9% (n = 31/526) of those who received the silver shunt. Compared with the standard shunt, antibiotic shunts were associated with a lower rate of infection (cause-specific hazard ratio 0.38, 97.5% confidence interval 0.18 to 0.80) and a decreased probability of infection (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.38, 97.5% confidence interval 0.18 to 0.80). Silver shunts were not associated with a lower rate of infection than standard shunts (cause-specific hazard ratio 0.99, 97.5% confidence interval 0.56 to 1.74). The ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure rate attributable to any cause was 25.0% overall and did not differ between arms. Antibiotic shunts save £135,753 per infection avoided. There were no serious adverse events. LIMITATIONS It was not possible to blind treating neurosurgeons to the ventriculoperitoneal shunt type. The return rate for patient-reported outcomes was low. Limitations to the economic evaluation included failure to obtain Hospital Episode Statistics data from NHS Digital, as per protocol. Reliance on patient-level information and costing systems data mitigated these limitations. CONCLUSIONS Antibiotic shunts have a reduced infection rate compared with standard shunts, whereas silver shunts do not. Antibiotic shunts are cost-saving. FUTURE WORK A sample collection has been established that will enable the study of surrogate markers of ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection in cerebrospinal fluid or blood using molecular techniques. A post hoc analysis to study factors related to shunt failure will be performed as part of a future study. An impact analysis to assess change in practice is planned. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN49474281. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 17. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor L Mallucci
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Michael D Jenkinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Elizabeth J Conroy
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - John C Hartley
- Department of Microbiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Michaela Brown
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tracy Moitt
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joanne Dalton
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tom Kearns
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Michael J Griffiths
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Paediatric Neurology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Giovanna Culeddu
- Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Tom Solomon
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Neurology, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dyfrig Hughes
- Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Carrol Gamble
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Raygor KP, Oh T, Hwang JY, Phelps RRL, Ghoussaini K, Wong P, Silvers R, Ostling LR, Sun PP. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection rates using a standard surgical technique, including topical and intraventricular vancomycin: the Children's Hospital Oakland experience. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2020; 26:504-512. [PMID: 32707540 DOI: 10.3171/2020.4.peds209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infections are common complications after shunt operations. Despite the use of intravenous antibiotics, the incidence of infections remains high. Though antibiotic-impregnated catheters (AICs) are commonly used, another method of infection prophylaxis is the use of intraventricular (IVT) antibiotics. The authors describe their single-institution experience with a standard shunt protocol utilizing prophylactic IVT and topical vancomycin administration and report the incidence of pediatric shunt infections. METHODS Three hundred two patients undergoing VP shunt procedures with IVT and topical vancomycin between 2006 and 2016 were included. Patients were excluded if their age at surgery was greater than 18 years. Shunt operations were performed at a single institution following a standard shunt protocol implementing IVT and topical vancomycin. No AICs were used. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from the electronic health records. RESULTS Over the 11-year study period, 593 VP shunt operations were performed with IVT and topical vancomycin, and a total of 19 infections occurred (incidence 3.2% per procedure). The majority of infections (n = 10, 52.6%) were caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis. The median time to shunt infection was 3.7 weeks. On multivariate analysis, the presence of a CSF leak (OR 31.5 [95% CI 8.8-112.6]) and age less than 6 months (OR 3.6 [95% CI 1.2-10.7]) were statistically significantly associated with the development of a shunt infection. A post hoc analysis comparing infection rates after procedures that adhered to the shunt protocol and those that did not administer IVT and topical vancomycin, plus historical controls, revealed a difference in infection rates (3.2% vs 6.9%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS The use of a standardized shunt operation technique that includes IVT and topical vancomycin is associated with a total shunt infection incidence of 3.2% per procedure, which compares favorably with the reported rates of shunt infection in the literature. The majority of infections occurred within 2 months of surgery and the most common causative organism was S. epidermidis. Young age (< 6 months) at the time of surgery and the presence of a postoperative CSF leak were statistically significantly associated with postoperative shunt infection on multivariate analysis. The results are hypothesis generating, and the authors propose that IVT and topical administration of vancomycin as part of a standardized shunt operation protocol may be an appropriate option for preventing pediatric shunt infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal P Raygor
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco; and
| | - Taemin Oh
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco; and
| | - Joan Y Hwang
- 2Division of Neurosurgery, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, California
| | - Ryan R L Phelps
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco; and
| | - Kristen Ghoussaini
- 2Division of Neurosurgery, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, California
| | - Patrick Wong
- 2Division of Neurosurgery, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, California
| | - Rebecca Silvers
- 2Division of Neurosurgery, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, California
| | - Lauren R Ostling
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco; and
- 2Division of Neurosurgery, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, California
| | - Peter P Sun
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco; and
- 2Division of Neurosurgery, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, California
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Lalou AD, Czosnyka M, Garnett MR, Nabbanja E, Petrella G, Hutchinson PJ, Pickard JD, Czosnyka Z. Shunt infusion studies: impact on patient outcome, including health economics. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2020; 162:1019-1031. [PMID: 32078047 PMCID: PMC7156359 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-020-04212-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The diagnosis of shunt malfunction is often not straightforward. We have explored, in symptomatic shunted patients with hydrocephalus or pseudotumour cerebri syndrome (PTCS), the accuracy of CSF infusion tests in differentiating a functioning shunt from one with possible problems, and the health economic consequences. Methods Participants: hydrocephalus/PTCS patients with infusion tests performed from January 2013 until December 2015. We followed patients up after 6 and 12 months from the test to determine whether they had improved, had persisting symptoms or had required urgent revision. We calculated the total cost savings of revision versus infusion tests and standard protocol of revision and ICP monitoring versus infusion tests. Results Three hundred sixty-five shunt infusion tests had been performed where a shunt prechamber/reservoir was present. For hydrocephalus patients, more than half of the tests (~ 55%, 155 out of 280) showed no shunt malfunction versus 125 with possible malfunction (ages 4 months to 90 years old). For PTCS patients aged 10 to 77 years old, 47 had possible problems and 38 no indication for shunt malfunction. Overall, > 290 unnecessary revisions were avoided over 3 years’ time. Two hundred fifty-eight (> 85%) of those non-surgically managed, remained well, did not deteriorate and did not require surgery. No infections were associated with infusion studies. For Cambridge, the overall savings from avoiding revisions was £945,415 annually. Conclusions Our results provide evidence of the importance of shunt testing in vivo to confirm shunt malfunction. Avoiding unnecessary shunt revisions carries a strong health benefit for patients that also translates to a significant financial benefit for the National Health Service and potentially for other healthcare systems worldwide. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00701-020-04212-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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8
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Kessler BA, Elton S, Quinsey C. Letter to the Editor. External shunt valve after shunt removal for infection as a cost-saving measure. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2019; 24:735-736. [PMID: 31518972 DOI: 10.3171/2019.5.peds19296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Mallucci CL, Jenkinson MD, Conroy EJ, Hartley JC, Brown M, Dalton J, Kearns T, Moitt T, Griffiths MJ, Culeddu G, Solomon T, Hughes D, Gamble C. Antibiotic or silver versus standard ventriculoperitoneal shunts (BASICS): a multicentre, single-blinded, randomised trial and economic evaluation. Lancet 2019; 394:1530-1539. [PMID: 31522843 PMCID: PMC6999649 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)31603-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus is one of the commonest neurosurgical procedures worldwide. Infection of the implanted shunt affects up to 15% of these patients, resulting in prolonged hospital treatment, multiple surgeries, and reduced cognition and quality of life. Our aim was to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of antibiotic (rifampicin and clindamycin) or silver shunts compared with standard shunts at reducing infection. METHODS In this parallel, multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial, we included patients with hydrocephalus of any aetiology undergoing insertion of their first ventriculoperitoneal shunt irrespective of age at 21 regional adult and paediatric neurosurgery centres in the UK and Ireland. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1 in random permuted blocks of three or six) to receive standard shunts (standard shunt group), antibiotic-impregnated (0·15% clindamycin and 0·054% rifampicin; antibiotic shunt group), or silver-impregnated shunts (silver shunt group) through a randomisation sequence generated by an independent statistician. All patients and investigators who recorded and analysed the data were masked for group assignment, which was only disclosed to the neurosurgical staff at the time of operation. Participants receiving a shunt without evidence of infection at the time of insertion were followed up for at least 6 months and a maximum of 2 years. The primary outcome was time to shunt failure due the infection and was analysed with Fine and Gray survival regression models for competing risk by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ISRCTN 49474281. FINDINGS Between June 26, 2013, and Oct 9, 2017, we assessed 3505 patients, of whom 1605 aged up to 91 years were randomly assigned to receive either a standard shunt (n=536), an antibiotic-impregnated shunt (n=538), or a silver shunt (n=531). 1594 had a shunt inserted without evidence of infection at the time of insertion (533 in the standard shunt group, 535 in the antibiotic shunt group, and 526 in the silver shunt group) and were followed up for a median of 22 months (IQR 10-24; 53 withdrew from follow-up). 32 (6%) of 533 evaluable patients in the standard shunt group had a shunt revision for infection, compared with 12 (2%) of 535 evaluable patients in the antibiotic shunt group (cause-specific hazard ratio [csHR] 0·38, 97·5% CI 0·18-0·80, p=0·0038) and 31 (6%) of 526 patients in the silver shunt group (0·99, 0·56-1·74, p=0·96). 135 (25%) patients in the standard shunt group, 127 (23%) in the antibiotic shunt group, and 134 (36%) in the silver shunt group had adverse events, which were not life-threatening and were mostly related to valve or catheter function. INTERPRETATION The BASICS trial provides evidence to support the adoption of antibiotic shunts in UK patients who are having their first ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion. This practice will benefit patients of all ages by reducing the risk and harm of shunt infection. FUNDING UK National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor L Mallucci
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Michael D Jenkinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Walton Centre National Health Service Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK; Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - John C Hartley
- Department of Microbiology, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michaela Brown
- Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joanne Dalton
- Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tom Kearns
- Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tracy Moitt
- Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Michael J Griffiths
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Giovanna Culeddu
- Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Tom Solomon
- Department of Neurology, Walton Centre National Health Service Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK; Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dyfrig Hughes
- Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Carrol Gamble
- Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Fernández-Méndez R, Richards HK, Seeley HM, Pickard JD, Joannides AJ. Current epidemiology of cerebrospinal fluid shunt surgery in the UK and Ireland (2004-2013). J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019; 90:747-754. [PMID: 30910858 PMCID: PMC6585267 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-319927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine current epidemiology and clinical characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt surgery, including revisions. METHODS A retrospective, multicentre, registry-based study was conducted based on 10 years' data from the UK Shunt Registry, including primary and revision shunting procedures reported between 2004 and 2013. Incidence rates of primary shunts, descriptive statistics and shunt revision rates were calculated stratified by age group, geographical region and year of operation. RESULTS 41 036 procedures in 26 545 patients were submitted during the study period, including 3002 infants, 4389 children and 18 668 adults. Procedures included 20 947 (51.0%) primary shunt insertions in 20 947 patients, and 20 089 (49.0%) revision procedures. Incidence rates of primary shunt insertions for infants, children and adults were 39.5, 2.4 and 3.5 shunts per 100 000 person-years, respectively. These varied by geographical subregion and year of operation. The most common underlying diagnoses were perinatal intraventricular haemorrhage (35.3%) and malformations (33.9%) in infants, tumours (40.5%) and malformations (16.3%) in children, and tumours (24.6%), post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus (16.2%) and idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (14.2%) in adults. Ninety-day revision rates were 21.9%, 18.6% and 12.8% among infants, children and adults, respectively, while first-year revision rates were 31.0%, 25.2% and 17.4%. The main reasons for revision were underdrainage and infection, but overdrainage and mechanical failure continue to pose problems. CONCLUSIONS Our report informs patients, carers, clinicians, providers and commissioners of healthcare, researchers and industry of the current epidemiology of shunting for CSF disorders, including the potential risks of complications and frequency of revision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Fernández-Méndez
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK .,United Kingdom Shunt Registry, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hugh K Richards
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,United Kingdom Shunt Registry, Cambridge, UK
| | - Helen M Seeley
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,United Kingdom Shunt Registry, Cambridge, UK
| | - John D Pickard
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,United Kingdom Shunt Registry, Cambridge, UK.,NIHR Brain Injury MedTech Co-operative, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexis J Joannides
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,United Kingdom Shunt Registry, Cambridge, UK.,NIHR Brain Injury MedTech Co-operative, Cambridge, UK
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11
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Ajmera S, Motiwala M, Khan NR, Smith LJ, Giles K, Vaughn B, Klimo P. Image Guidance for Ventricular Shunt Surgery: An Analysis of Hospital Charges. Neurosurgery 2019; 85:E765-E770. [DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyz090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Image guidance for shunt surgery results in more accurate proximal catheter placement. However, reduction in shunt failure remains unclear in the literature. There have been no prior studies evaluating the cost effectiveness of neuronavigation for shunt surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To perform a cost analysis using available hospital charges of hypothetical shunt surgery performed with/without electromagnetic neuronavigation (EMN).
METHODS
Hospital charges were collected for physician fees, radiology, operating room (OR) time and supplies, postanesthesia care unit, hospitalization days, laboratory, and medications. Index shunt surgery charges (de novo or revision) were totaled and the difference calculated. This difference was compared with hospital charges for shunt revision surgery performed under 2 clinical scenarios: (1) same hospital stay as the index surgery; and (2) readmission through the emergency department.
RESULTS
Costs for freehand de novo and revision shunt surgery were $23 946.22 and $23 359.22, respectively. For stealth-guided de novo and revision surgery, the costs were $33 646.94 and $33 059.94, a difference of $9700.72. The largest charge increase was due to additional OR time (34 min; $4794), followed by disposable EMN equipment ($2672). Total effective charges to revise the shunt for scenarios 1 and 2 were $34 622.94 and $35 934.94, respectively. The cost ratios between the total revision charges for both scenarios and the difference in freehand vs EMN-assisted shunt surgery ($9700.72) were 3.57 and 3.70, respectively.
CONCLUSION
From an economic standpoint and within the limitations of our models, the number needed to prevent must be 4 or less for the use of neuronavigation to be considered cost effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Ajmera
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Mustafa Motiwala
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Nickalus R Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | | | | | - Paul Klimo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
- Semmes Murphey, Memphis, Tennessee
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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12
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Mbabazi-Kabachelor E, Shah M, Vaughan KA, Mugamba J, Ssenyonga P, Onen J, Nalule E, Kapur K, Warf BC. Infection risk for Bactiseal Universal Shunts versus Chhabra shunts in Ugandan infants: a randomized controlled trial. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2019; 23:397-406. [PMID: 30611153 DOI: 10.3171/2018.10.peds18354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clinical and economic repercussions of ventricular shunt infections are magnified in low-resource countries. The efficacy of antibiotic-impregnated shunts in this setting is unclear. A previous retrospective cohort study comparing the Bactiseal Universal Shunt (BUS) and the Chhabra shunt provided clinical equipoise; thus, the authors conducted this larger randomized controlled trial in Ugandan children requiring shunt placement for hydrocephalus to determine whether there was, in fact, any advantage of one shunt over the other. METHODS Between April 2013 and September 2016, the authors randomly assigned children younger than 16 years of age without evidence of ventriculitis to either BUS or Chhabra shunt implantation in this single-blind randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome was shunt infection, and secondary outcomes included reoperation and death. The minimum follow-up was 6 months. Time to outcome was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The significance of differences was tested using Wilcoxon rank-sum, chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and t-tests. RESULTS Of the 248 patients randomized, the BUS was implanted in 124 and the Chhabra shunt in 124. There were no differences between the groups in terms of age, sex, or hydrocephalus etiology. Within 6 months of follow-up, there were 14 infections (5.6%): 6 BUS (4.8%) and 8 Chhabra (6.5%; p = 0.58). There were 14 deaths (5.6%; 5 BUS [4.0%] vs 9 Chhabra [7.3%], p = 0.27) and 30 reoperations (12.1%; 15 BUS vs 15 Chhabra, p = 1.00). There were no significant differences in the time to primary or secondary outcomes at 6 months’ follow-up (p = 0.29 and 0.17, respectively, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). CONCLUSIONS Among Ugandan infants, BUS implantation did not result in a lower incidence of shunt infection or other complications. Any recommendation for a more costly standard of care in low-resource countries must have contextually relevant, evidence-based support. Clinical trial registration no.: PACTR201804003240177 (http://www.pactr.org/)
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meghal Shah
- 2Global Neurosurgery Initiative, Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- 4Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kerry A Vaughan
- 2Global Neurosurgery Initiative, Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | | | - Kush Kapur
- 6Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University; and
- 7Clinical Research Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin C Warf
- 1CURE Children's Hospital, Mbale, Uganda
- 2Global Neurosurgery Initiative, Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- 5Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital
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13
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Duong J, Elia CJ, Miulli D, Dong F, Sumida A. An approach using the occipital parietal point for placement of ventriculoperitoneal catheters in adults. Surg Neurol Int 2019; 10:21. [PMID: 31123628 PMCID: PMC6416753 DOI: 10.4103/sni.sni_3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) have been widely used in the management of hydrocephalus. As current investigations into optimal approaches are being studied in the pediatric population, no general consensus on cranial entry points has been established for the adults. We compare conventional posterior and frontal approaches with an occipital parietal point (OPP) on computerized tomography (CT) while analyzing its associated outcomes. Methods: An Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved retrospective review was conducted on patients at a single institution between 1999 and 2016, with searches of CPT codes of 62223, 62230, 62258. The patient's lost to follow-up were excluded. Demographics, etiology of hydrocephalus, cranial entry points, and clinical outcomes (optimal placement, blood loss, operative time, malfunctions, or infections) were abstracted. Chi-square analyses were conducted to identify the association between treatment and clinical outcomes. Results: Ninety-three adults (≥18 years old) patients were included in the final analysis that had clinic follow-up, average age was 40.8 ± 15.6 years, with 57.0% had catheters placed utilizing the OPP, and 43.0% using conventional landmarks. OPP had less rates of suboptimal placement (P = 0.0469), and was less likely to develop a mechanical malfunction (5.7% vs. 12.5%). There was no difference in operative time, blood loss, or infection rate. Conclusions: Shunt malfunctions remain to be a common complication but can be reduced by optimal catheter positioning. The OPP established on computed tomography (CT) is just as safe as conventional landmarks, and can aid in optimal catheter positioning and can potentially reduce the risk of shunt malfunction secondary to suboptimal catheter placement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Duong
- Division of Neurosurgery, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Moreno Valley, California, USA.,Division of Neurosurgery, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, California, USA
| | - Christopher J Elia
- Division of Neurosurgery, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Moreno Valley, California, USA.,Division of Neurosurgery, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, California, USA
| | - Dan Miulli
- Division of Neurosurgery, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Moreno Valley, California, USA.,Division of Neurosurgery, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, California, USA
| | - Fanglong Dong
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, California, USA
| | - Andrew Sumida
- Division of Neurosurgery, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, California, USA.,College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, California, USA
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14
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Lee RP, Venable GT, Vaughn BN, Lillard JC, Oravec CS, Klimo P. The Impact of a Pediatric Shunt Surgery Checklist on Infection Rate at a Single Institution. Neurosurgery 2017; 83:508-520. [DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyx478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Shunt infections remain a significant challenge in pediatric neurosurgery. Numerous surgical checklists have been introduced to reduce infection rates.
OBJECTIVE
To introduce an evidence-based shunt surgery checklist and its impact on our shunt infection rate.
METHODS
Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2015, pediatric patients who underwent shunt surgery at our institution were indexed in a prospectively maintained database. All definitive shunt procedures were included. Shunt infection was defined according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Hospital Safety Network surveillance definition for surgical site infection. Clinical and procedural variables were abstracted per procedure. Infection data were compared for the 4 year before and 4 year after protocol implementation. Compliance was calculated from retrospective review of our checklists.
RESULTS
Over the 8-year study period, 1813 procedures met inclusion criteria with a total of 37 shunt infections (2%). Prechecklist (2008-2011) infection rate was 3.03% (28/924) and decreased to 1.01% (9/889; P = .003) postchecklist (2012-2015), representing an absolute risk reduction of 2.02% and relative risk reduction of 66.6%. One shunt infection was prevented for every 50 times the checklist was used. Those patients who developed an infection after protocol implementation were younger (0.95 years vs 3.40 years (P = .027)), but there were no other clinical or procedural variables, including time to infection, that were significantly different between the cohorts. Average compliance rate among required checklist components was 97% (range 85%-100%).
CONCLUSION
Shunt surgery checklist implementation correlated with lower infection rates that persisted in the 4 years after implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Lee
- College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Garrett T Venable
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | - Jock C Lillard
- College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Chesney S Oravec
- College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Paul Klimo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
- Semmes Murphey, Memphis, Tennessee
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15
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Oravec CS, Motiwala M, Reed K, Kondziolka D, Barker FG, Michael LM, Klimo P. Big Data Research in Neurosurgery: A Critical Look at this Popular New Study Design. Neurosurgery 2017; 82:728-746. [DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyx328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chesney S Oravec
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Mustafa Motiwala
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Kevin Reed
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Douglas Kondziolka
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Fred G Barker
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - L Madison Michael
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
- Semmes Murphey Clinic, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Paul Klimo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
- Semmes Murphey Clinic, Memphis, Tennessee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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16
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Burrows AM, Murphy ME, Daniels DJ, Meyer FB. Antibiotic Reservoir Injection Reduces Shunt Infection in Adults. World Neurosurg 2016; 89:108-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.01.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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17
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Pace J, Smith GA, Pannunzio A, Rothstein BD, Markowitz A, Hoffer A. Thoracoscopic-Assisted Ventriculo-Azygous Shunt Placement for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus. Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown) 2015; 11:491-494. [PMID: 29506161 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000000976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid diversion is one of the most frequent neurosurgical procedures across the world and can be challenging in select patients who fail standard distal drainage sites. OBJECTIVE To present the case of a woman after failing peritoneal, pleural, and atrial distal drainage sites who underwent a thoracoscopic-assisted ventriculo-azygous vein shunt placement. METHODS A 32-year-old woman presented to our hospital with long-standing history of hydrocephalus and shunt dependence. She had failed peritoneal and atrial shunts secondary to infection, scarring, and clot formation. At presentation, she had a pleural shunt in place and developed a large pleural effusion with shortness of breath. RESULTS She was taken to the operating room where a thoracoscopic-assisted ventriculo-azygous vein shunt was placed through a mini-thoracotomy. Postoperatively, she has not required a shunt revision in >2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION When other distal sites fail, our case report illustrates a novel surgical technique capable of being performed through a multidisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Pace
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Gabriel A Smith
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Andrea Pannunzio
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Brian D Rothstein
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Alan Markowitz
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Alan Hoffer
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland, Ohio
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18
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Michael LM, Klimo P. Outcomes Research in Neurosurgery: Do Administrative Databases Hold the Answers? World Neurosurg 2015; 84:1193-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2015.06.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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