External ventricular drainage for intraventricular hemorrhage

Abstract

Computerized tomography has been proved very useful in the recognition of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and ventriculostomy is considered an effective therapeutic adjunct in the management of IVH. Five patients of IVH with a limited or no identifiable cerebral lesion are presented in this communication. They were treated with external ventricular drainage for the presence of high intracranial pressure and subsequently obtained a good recovery. The ventriculostomy was not complicated with intracranial hematoma or infection. The use of a siliconized catheter with a good diameter reduced the rate of obstruction. In order to overcome the risk of infection, the ventricular catheter was passed through a subcutaneous tunnel before it was connected with a semiclosed drainage system. The benefits of external ventricular drainage as a therapeutic adjunct to these patients are discussed. Meticulous care of wound and systemic prophylactic antibiotics are also emphasized.