The use of other configurations of tubing have also contributed to the use of the LP shunt, as “T” and “Y” shaped tubing migrates less than straight catheters.1,3;6 ,7 The “T” shaped catheter has been reported to be successful in the treatment of hydrocephalus, with a longer survival rate and fewer complications that VP shunts.6,7 However, a “Y” shaped catheter has been reported to decrease the size of a basal ganglia, and control the symptoms of this condition for over 6 years.8

      Since the 70’s there have been many reports on the success of LP shunting for the treatment of hydrocephalus, and even in the treatment of more complicated cases. In 1988, Johnston, et al., reported the effectiveness of different shunts for the treatment of intracranial hypertension. They found that LP shunting was associated with the lowest complication rate, and, hence the lowest revision rate of all the various shunt types.9 These findings were supported by Aoki, in 1990, who also reported that the incidence of infection and malfunction in LP shunts were lower than in VP shunts. He also indicated pediatrics with communicating hydrocephalus for treatment with an LP shunt.5 Bret, et al., reported that 12 of 15 patients showed a cessation of CSF rhinorrea following LP shunting. He suggested that LP shunting offered a simple, effective means of treating patients with communicating hydrocephalus, particularly in elderly patients.10 The LP shunt has also been reported to play a role in the treatment of pseudotumor cerebri and CSF fistulas. Burgett, et al., reported that 82% of 30 patients with pseudotumor cerebri had decreased intracranial pressure following LP shunting.11 And improvement in patients with both pseudotumor cerebri and subcutaneous lumbar CSF fistula following LP shunting was reported by James and Tibbs.12 Another use for LP shunting is in the treatment of syringomyelia.13 Many investigators have found shunting to be the best means of reducing the size of a syrinx, and as a result, the symptoms associated with syringomyelia.14 ,15

  Although lumbar drainage did not become commonplace until the mid to late 1960s, it has demonstrated itself as an effective and useful tool for the removal of CSF.