Optimal management of hydrocephalus in children with posterior fossa tumors: an international retrospective multicenter study

OBJECTIVE: Hydrocephalus in children with posterior fossa tumors (PFTs) is commonly treated with extraventricular drain (EVD) placement, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), or tumor resection alone. However, the optimal treatment approach remains undetermined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between management of preoperative hydrocephalus in children with PFTs and the need for early postoperative CSF diversion and permanent drainage.

METHODS: This international multicenter retrospective cohort study included all pediatric patients (aged < 18 years) who underwent primary resection of a posterior fossa tumor at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, United Kingdom, 2008-2018; Rigshospitalet University Hospital, Denmark, 2011-2020; Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, 2011-2020; and McMaster University Medical Centre, Canada, 2003-2020. The primary outcome was early postoperative CSF diversion (ETV, EVD, or shunt of any kind within 30 days of tumor resection). The secondary outcome was the permanent drainage (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) rate within 30 days after resection. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS: In total, 310 children with PFTs were included, of whom 234 (75.5%) had preoperative hydrocephalus. Preoperative hydrocephalus was successfully treated in more than 85%. Thirty-eight children (12.3%) required permanent drainage, with a higher incidence in those treated with preoperative EVD. However, no statistically significant association was found between choice of preoperative hydrocephalus management (EVD vs ETV vs tumor resection alone) and persistent hydrocephalus requiring either early postoperative CSF diversion surgery or permanent CSF drainage.

CONCLUSIONS: This large international multicenter study did not demonstrate a significant association between choice of management of preoperative hydrocephalus (EVD, ETV, or tumor resection alone) and persisting hydrocephalus requiring surgical intervention after tumor resection.