Operative related infection rates for ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedures in a children's hospital.

We determined the operative related cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infection rates for our institution over a 3-year period (1982 to 1984) using strictly defined numerator and denominator data. The minimum post-operative follow-up period was 12 months. The average surgical infection risk for a CSF shunt procedure at our institution during the study period was 13.3%. Annual infection rates were relatively constant (13.8%, 13.2% and 12.9%), however both quarterly (5.7% to 23.3%) and surgeon-specific (5.7% to 22.8%) rates varied widely. Infection rates calculated by using "traditional" numerator and denominator data were considerably lower (6.5% to 9.2%). Operative related CSF shunt infection rates should be determined by utilizing strictly defined numerator and denominator values in order to allow valid comparisons of published rates.