Danish experience with the one-piece shunt. A long-term follow-up.

A review of the efficacy and complications of the simple one-piece ventriculoperitoneal shunt is given, based on a consecutive series of 61 children with nontumorous hydrocephalus. Control of the hydrocephalic state was satisfactory but was, however, complicated by a rather high frequency of slit ventricles and subdural effusions. No significant increase in the complication rate was observed among premature babies. The infection rate was low (3%) and no visceral perforations were observed. The one-piece shunt can be recommended, especially for smaller children with hydrocephalus.