Syringosubarachnoid Shunting by Using the Tube of a Lumbo-Peritoneal Shunt in Primary Syringomyelia

Background: The proper management strategy for syringomyelia has not been established. Primary spinal syringomyelia is most commonly associated with spinal trauma but is also encountered as a consequence to intra-dural inflammatory process (infection, or chemical) and as a delayed response to surgical procedures. Aim of the work: Reviews the results of (syringosubarachnoid shunting by using the tube of lumboperitoneal shunt) for the treatment of primary syringomyelia in 27 patients operated upon during a 10-years period. Patients and Method: this study was carried out at the Department of Neurosurgery of Ain-Shams University hospitals (Cairo-Egypt) between 2001 and 201٠and the data was collected retrospectively. 27 patients with primary syringomyelia were operated upon via a myelotomy and insertion of lumbo-peritoneal shunt. All patients underwent preoperative and post-operative MRI scans and were studied clinically and radiologically. Follow up ranged from (3-8) years with a mean follow up of (5.1) years. Results: Twenty seven patients (12 males and 15 females) underwent (syringosubarachnoid shunting by using the tube of lumbo-peritonealshunt). 15 post-traumatic (7 males and 8 females), 9 idiopathic (4 males and 5 females) and 3 post inflammatory (one male and two females). No mortality and nearly 63% showed complete recover of the neurological presentation. Conclusion: Usage of the lumbo-peritoneal tube as syrinx-subarachnoid shunt is a safe,effective and technically simple technique in treating syringomyelia.