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Comparing Outcomes in Pediatric Neurosurgery

Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts and Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy

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Pediatric Hydrocephalus
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Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid shunting for pediatric hydrocephalus comprises nearly half of all pediatric neurosurgical procedures. Because of the high rate of shunt failure and the resultant medical, social, and economic effects, alternatives to shunt placement have been actively sought. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy has shown promise as a possible alternative, and significant investigations have been undertaken to determine the safety and efficacy of this procedure. In this review, we examine the complications and outcomes of shunting and endoscopic third ventriculostomy and compare these head-to-head. Both procedures have inherent risks, benefits, and alternatives, and appropriate patient selection remains the most important factor in choosing which intervention to use in each child.

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Correspondence to Jay Riva-Cambrin .

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Guan, J., Riva-Cambrin, J. (2018). Comparing Outcomes in Pediatric Neurosurgery. In: Cinalli, G., Ozek, M., Sainte-Rose, C. (eds) Pediatric Hydrocephalus. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31889-9_85-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31889-9_85-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-31889-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-31889-9

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