It was thought that the risk of hydrocephalus and the need for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt might be reduced by the removal of protein and old blood in the cerebrospinal fluid.

There is no evidence that early tapping of cerebrospinal fluid by lumbar puncture or ventricular tap reduces the risk of shunt dependence, disability, multiple disability or death.

Object: Evaluation of antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheters whether reducing the infection rate after cerebrospinal fluid shunt procedures.