Per-Operative External Ventricular Drainage Results in Children with Posterior Fossa Tumors and Hydrocephalus

Objective:  We determined the outcome of per operational external ventricular drainage in pediatric patients with posterior fossa tumors and hydrocephalus. Material And Methods:  54 patients included presenting with posterior fossa tumors and mild to moderate hydrocephalous were considered for per operative external ventricular drainage. The external ventricular drain was then weaned off in one week. If it cannot be removed due to persistent hydrocephalous it was converted into a permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Results:  In the study, the mean age was 7 years. Twenty-seven children had ependymoma, 19% of children had medulloblastoma, and 54% of children had pilocytic astrocytoma. Moreover, 67% of children had weaned off and 33% of children had converted to VP shunt. There existed an insignificant difference in the outcome (yes/ no) concerning age groups, gender, and tumor type. Conclusion:  Our study concludes that the outcome of per operative external ventricular drainage was weaned off (67%) and converted to VP shunt (33%) in pediatrics with posterior fossa tumors and hydrocephalous.