Ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus.

Revision rate and complications were reviewed in 297 patients of all ages subjected to ventriculoperitoneal shunting and adequately followed. Both operative mortality and deaths due to complications of this type of shunt were much lower than after ventriculocaval shunts. Although 44% required revision a third of the cases had a period of three years without revision; two-thirds of these went for three years after the initial operation without need for operation. This shunt should be considered both in children and in adults because it is no more likely to block than ventriculoatrial, is easier to revise, and the other complications are fewer and much less serious.