Permanent Surgical Treatment for Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus in Preterm Infants

Abstract

While the standard management for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) has not been determined, many patients initially receive temporary treatment such as a ventricular drainage, a ventricular reservoir, or a ventriculosubgaleal shunt. Subsequently, approximately 15% of patients with PHH will require permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion. Shunt placement is most commonly performed for PHH as permanent treatment. However, shunting still has high complication rates. Since the development of the neuroendoscopic technique has progressed, and indication has been expanded, endoscopic third ventriculostomy with or without choroid plexus cauterization has performed more frequently in recent years in patients with PHH. In this paper, the permanent treatment for PHH will be reviewed based on the latest evidence.