VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNT INFECTION AFTER AUGMENTATION CYSTOPLASTY

Purpose: We characterized the occurrence of ventriculoperitoneal shunt infections after augmentation cystoplasty. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 20 myelodysplastic children with ventriculoper itoneal shunts followed for a minimum of 12 months after augmentation. Results: In 4 children (20%) a ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection d eveloped. The single gram-positive infection occurred early (less than 30 days). The 3 gram-negative infections were delayed presentations ( greater than 30 days). Organisms in 2 of the 3 gram-negative infection s had been noted in a preoperative urine culture. Conclusions: Ventric uloperitoneal shunt infection after bladder augmentation is common. De layed presentation of shunt infections may indicate gram-negative infe ction. Sterilization of the urinary tract is indicated before augmenta tion.