[Possibilities of pre-, intra- and postoperative sonography in hydrocephalus].

Short-term repeat sonographic examinations of the brain were performed in 90 newborn and infants with ventricular dilatation. Changes in the ventricular configuration are pointers to the intracranial pressure. Measurement of the ventricular system must be performed in the same way as for estimating progressive ventricular dilatation. If a shunt is necessary, the ventricular tube can be positioned in the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle under ultrasound guidance. This will help to avoid complications which are due to a wrong position near the plexus or in a clot. Complications like overdrained ventricles, haemorrhages, shunts blocked in proximal or distal areas may be visible even before the appearance of clinical signs or symptoms. Comparative postoperative examinations allow an assessment of shunt function.