The role of ventriculoperitoneal shunting in patients with supratentorial glioma

OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of ventriculoperitoneal (VPS) in patients with glioma. METHODS Retrospective review of patients with grade II-IV glioma who had VPS placement from January 1995 to November 2012. RESULTS We identified 62 patients. At time of VPS, 41 had gait disturbance, 40 cognitive impairment and 16 urinary incontinence; 10 had the classic triad. Thirty-eight (61%) improved after VPS. Median overall survival from VPS was 7 months for all patients, but 11 months for those who improved and 2 months for non-responders. Leptomeningeal disease, glioma grade or radiographic ventricular decompression did not predict benefit. CONCLUSIONS VPS can improve functional status in some patients with symptoms suggestive of hydrocephalus.