Nonshaved ventriculoperitoneal shunt in Thailand

The objective of this study was to determine whether nonshaved patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunt operations would experience a significantly increased shunt infection rate as compared to shaved patients. Clinical trials of nonshaved scalp preparation were performed in ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedures at Songklanagarind Hospital from January 1994 to December 1999. Exclusion criteria were poor scalp condition, previous shunt procedures and immunocompromised hosts. Statistical analysis using univariate, multivariate and logistic regression was used. One hundred and nineteen patients were included in the study. Thirty-six cases were in the nonshaved group. Thirty-eight of 119 cases were less than one year of age and congenital hydrocephalus was the most common problem. The only notable risk factor for shunt infection was an operation lasting more than 59 min. The shunt infection rate in the nonshaved and shaved groups was 6.25% and 14.94%, respectively (p > 0.05). In conclusion, leaving the hair intact for ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery is safe and not associated with increased risk of shunt infection. The nonshaved method may encourage quicker restoration of the patients' self-image and facilitate their early return to normal life. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.