Infectious risks of external ventriculostomies.

Ventriculostomy is a useful technique for the management of acute hydroceph alus or increased intracranial pressure. The mean rate of ventricular infec tions is 10%. This risk can be decreased by selecting indications, adherenc e to aseptic insertion techniques, avoiding CSF leakage, tunneling the cath eter, using closed systems and limiting line manipulations. Duration of ven triculostomy drainage remains controversial as well as systematic change of drain every five days of drainage. The value of local or general prophylat ic antibiotic treatment remains to be substantiated. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Par is.