**Chapter 4** Ventriculostomy

*Gobti Beltus Abongha, Ngeloh Meekness Afunui, Nkenganyi Aka Elvira, Kengo Nathan Ezie and Victor Meza Kyaruzi*

## **Abstract**

In neurosurgery, especially in pediatrics, the practice of ventriculostomy or placement of an external ventricular drainage (EVD) is a routine procedure. It consists of the implantation of a catheter in the ventricular system of the brain to temporarily divert cerebrospinal fluid or to measure the intracranial pressure. This method was created and improved during the past century, and it is now regarded as a standard procedure. Despite this standardization, EVD installation can still result in a variety of problems, the most serious of which is infection, which is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The essential points of EVDs in the pediatric population are presented in the current chapter, with an emphasis on the indications for insertion, complications, and measures to prevent poor functional outcomes.

**Keywords:** CSF, external ventricular drain, intracranial pressure, hydrocephalus, ventriculostomy
