A novel, simplified pediatric syringopleural shunt. Technical note.

The diversion of fluid from an intramedullary syrinx cavity is an option for the treatment of syringomyelia. The authors have modified the technique of shunting syrinx fluid to the pleural space with the aid of a simple short tube and a single incision; this is a one-stage operation in pediatric patients. The advantages of this technique include the use of familiar standard neurosurgical techniques, the availability of shunt components, a short, direct catheter course, the minimization of a siphoning effect secondary to improved catheter tip placement, and the use of pleural rather than peritoneal space. In this small series the technique of syringopleural shunting has proved simple, safe, and well tolerated by pediatric patients.