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  • Title: A critical appraisal of syrinx cavity shunting procedures.
    Author: Batzdorf U, Klekamp J, Johnson JP.
    Journal: J Neurosurg; 1998 Sep; 89(3):382-8. PubMed ID: 9724111.
    Abstract:
    OBJECT: This study was conducted to evaluate the results of shunting procedures for syringomyelia. METHODS: In a follow-up analysis of 42 patients in whom shunts were placed in syringomyelic cavities, the authors have demonstrated that 21 (50%) developed recurrent cyst expansion indicative of shunt failure. Problems were encountered in patients with syringomyelia resulting from hindbrain herniation, spinal trauma, or inflammatory processes. A low-pressure cerebrospinal fluid state occurred in two of 18 patients; infection was also rare (one of 18 patients), but both are potentially devastating complications of shunt procedures. Shunt obstruction, the most common problem, was encountered in 18 patients; spinal cord tethering, seen in three cases, may account for situations in which the patient gradually deteriorated neurologically, despite a functioning shunt. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of all types of shunts (subarachnoid, syringoperitoneal, and syringopleural) may be followed by significant morbidity requiring one or more additional surgical procedures.
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