[Syringoperitoneal shunting].

In the technique of syringoperitoneal shunting described, a small diameter silicone catheter with lateral openings is introduced through the spinal cord into the lower part of the syringomyelic cavity, then connected to a standard peritoneal shunt tube. Six patients were operated upon using this technique. No major post-operative complication was observed; one patient stabilized and 5 rapidly and distinctly improved. The best results were obtained in patients with sensory loss or arthropathy. It seems rational to apply this technique to active syringomyelia. Permanent shunting maintains low pressure in the cavity and attenuates the effects of sudden, physiological rises in CSF pressure, thus preventing progressive dissection of the nervous tissue.