LAUSR

BACKGROUND Subdural to peritoneal shunt (SPS) placement is an established treatment option for chronic subdural hematoma (SDH) in the pediatric population. Practice patterns vary between institutions, with some advocating shunt removal while others leave the SPS in place after SDH resolution. There remain a paucity of data to document the safety and outcomes after removal of SPS. OBJECTIVE To support the safety and efficacy of SPS placement and subsequent removal for chronic SDH in children younger than 2 years. METHODS A total of 26 patients younger than 2 years underwent SPS removal procedures over a 5-year period from 2015 to 2019 at a single institution. Patient characteristics, hospital course, and outcomes were prospectively recorded in the hospital electronic medical record. Attention was given to change in head circumference, size of subdural collection, need for reoperation, or complications because of shunt removal. RESULTS Patients who underwent SPS placement presented with macrocephaly, signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, and radiographical evidence of subdural collections. The most common etiology of chronic SDH was nonaccidental head trauma (18 of 26 patients). SDS was kept in place for an average of 10 months. Resolution of SDH was demonstrated on imaging for all 26 patients. One patient did require reinsertion of SPS 2 weeks after SPS removal. CONCLUSION Removal of SPS remains controversial, and careful consideration of patient, family, and provider preferences and potential risks associated with SPS removal must be taken into consideration.