Lumboperitoneal shunt for the treatment of hydrocephalus in premature infants.

Four premature infants weighing less than 2,500 grams underwent lumboperitoneal shunt for their communicating hydrocephalus. Using a microscope, mini-laminectomy and exact placement of the proximal end of the shunt tube into the subarachnoid space was achieved. After the lumboperitoneal shunting, hydrocephalus in all four patients was relieved without any complications. The author discusses the availability of lumboperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus in premature infants.