Shunt revision: complications and their prevention.

Long-term maintenance of neurologic function in shunt-dependent individuals requires vigilance and attention to detail. This review details the essential elements for the long-term surveillance of the shunted child and adult in terms of access to a responsive system. The causes of shunt failure and complications are enumerated. The technical aspects of assessing a shunt that may have failed are discussed as well as the details of performing a shunt revision for a variety of causes of failures.