Turkish Neurosurgery
2011 , Vol 21 , Num 3
Polytetraf luoroethylene Sponge Syringosubarachnoid Shunt
Seth G.S. Medical College @ K.E.M. Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Mumbai, India
DOI :
10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.3019-10.1
Syringomyelia is condition in which a cyst or cavity forms inside the spinal cavity. Its management always remains a difficult. A variety
of surgical techniques have been used in management of syringomyelia. Syringosubarachnoid shunt remains an effective method in
management of syringomyelia. Shunt tube obstruction remains an important complication of shunt procedure. We describe a novel technique
of use of polytetrafluoroethylene sponge shunt for syringosubarachnoid shunt in patient with large syrinx and Chiari 1 malformation.
Polytetrafluoroethylene sponge is a non irritant material with multiple porosities that is less susceptible to blockages or kinking. It could
provide a good alternative technique in syringosubarachnoid shunting.
Keywords :
Chiari malformation, Syringomyelia, Syringosubarachnoid shunt, Polytetrafluoroethylene sponge