Pregnancy at women with hydrocephalus after shunt operations

Nowadays a growing number of women suffered from hydrocephalus and underwent shunt operations are achieved reproductive age. Pregnancy has a relatively high incidence of complications, such as shunt malfunction due to raised intraabdominal pressure caused by gravid uterus. This article discusses the effect of pregnancy on the ventriculoperitoneal shunt function as well as presents the main approaches to the treatment and obstetric strategy. The vaginal delivery with shorten second stage is recommended in case of proper shunt functioning. The caesarean section performed under general anesthesia is indicated for patients with shunt malfunction and intracranial hypertension. Magnetic resonance imaging is recommended as a safe and effective method for evaluating the ventricular dimensions and assessment of shunt function. The conservative treatment such as bed rest and pumping shunt can be apply in functional shunt occlusion. The shunt revision is required in case of ventricular enlargement. This shunt revision during first and second trimesters of pregnancy can be performed in such a way as in case with non-pregnant patients. During the third trimester, ventriculoatrial shunt or third ventriculostomy may be considered as an alternative method, thereby avoiding the risks of uterine trauma or induction of preterm labour.

гидроцефалия, беременность, роды, вентрикуло-перитонеальное шунтирование, дисфункция шунта, кесарево сечение, эпидуральная анестезия, hydrocephalus, pregnancy, labor, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, shunt malfunction, cesarean section, epidural anesthesia

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