Abstract
Three cases of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage were successfully treated by percutaneous lumboperitoneal (L-P) shunting. Case 1 showed rhinorrhea secondary to a head injury. Case 2 had CSF leakage through the operative wound due to status post intraspinal dural tearing, and Case 3 had CSF leakage through a necrotic wound secondary to brain radiotherapy. The important points for the postoperative management of the patient are as follows: 1) posture of the patient, 2) frequent skull X-rays, 3) removal of shunt system when intracranial low pressure syndrome occurs, and 4) removal of shunt system approximately 3 weeks after operation when hydrocephalus is not present. No serious complications or recurrence were observed in the 3 cases.
Thirty-one cases of CSF leakage managed by percutaneous L-P shunt were reviewed. Twentynine cases were successfully treated. The remaining 2 cases failed to improve. No serious complications were observed in any of the cases. Percutaneous L-P shunt appears to be an effective method for the management of CSF leakage.
