A clinical survey of hydrocephalus and current treatment for hydrocephalusin Japan: analysis by nationwide questionnaire

re analyzed current treatment for hydrocephalus in Japan by means of a nati onwide questionnaire. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting was the most commo n form of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting, and in 66% of cases the ventr icular catheter was inserted via the anterior horn. Various types of flow-c ontrol valves were used in 46% of CSF shunting procedures, and the proporti on of cases in which such valves are used seems to be increasing. The Codma n-Hakim valve was used most frequently, followed by the Sophy valve. The in itial pressure setting of programmable pressure valves was selected in 82% of institutes on the basis of the CSF pressure obtained during the shunt op eration. Most flow-control valves were implanted in the retroauricular regi on; however, Sophy valves were implanted in the chest wall in a high percen tage of cases. The rate of shunt complications was significantly lower amon g VP shunt cases with flow-control valves than in those without flow-contro l valves. The most common cause of shunt complications was trouble with the abdominal catheter. These results will contribute to progress in the treat ment for hydrocephalus.