Ventriculosubcutaneous shunt for temporary treatment of neonatal post-IVH hydrocephalus: a technical note.

A technique for temporary ventricular drainage using a subcutaneous pouch is described for use in neonatal hydrocephalus after intraventricular hemorrhage. The advantages include continuous, valve-regulated ventricular decompression, no exposed tubing, avoidance of electrolyte imbalance and of the loss of CSF, obviation of the need for repeated tapping, and the ability to convert to a peritoneal shunt on an elective basis.