An analysis of external ventricular drainage as a treatment for infected shunts.

An analysis of EVD as a treatment for infected shunts is reported. The study consists of 6 patients with ventriculo-jugular shunts and 17 patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts. When infection of the shunting system is suspected on a clinical basis, the shunt should be removed immediately. EVD is adequate to control intraventricular pressure. After the infection clears, reimplantation of shunt should be considered.