A Retrospective Study on the Association Between the Timing of Shunt Placement and Shunt Infection in Hydrocephalus Associated with Myelomeningocele

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the association of the shunt infection in hydrocephalus associated with myelomeningocele and timing of the shunt placement.

Study Design: A retrospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Jinnah Teaching Hospital Peshawar from June 2022 to May 2023.

Materials and Methods: Simultaneous shunting, early shunting, and delayed shunting were used for the comparison of shunt infection.

Results: Of the total 34 patients, the frequency of patients underwent three different methodologies simultaneous shunting, early shunting, and delayed shunting were 12 (33.3%), 10 (27.8%), and 14 (38.9%) respectively. The incidence of shunt infection in simultaneous shunting, early shunting was 4 (33.3%) and 3 (30%) patients respectively. Patients underwent delayed shunting developed no shunt infection.

Conclusion: The present study found no significant association among the rates of shunt infection in hydrocephalus associated MMC patients underwent simultaneously and early shunting.