[Indications for the shunt treatment of children with cerebellar astrocytoma].

In the years 1980-1987 the number of children aged from 11 months to 15 years treated for cerebellar astrocytoma was 113, the mean age was 5.4 years. Shunt insertion preceding the main surgical treatment was done in 10 cases (9%). After the operation shunt was necessary in 15 cases, that is 15% of cases not undergoing shunt insertion before the operation. In all, shunting was necessary in 22% of patients with cerebellar astrocytoma. In the conclusions the authors suggest indications to shunting in various age groups in cases of cerebellar astrocytoma.