External Ventricular Drainage in the Management of Posterior Fossa Tumors in Children and Adolescents

External ventricular drainage (EVD) was used before and after posterior fossa operations in 62 children and adolescents. In all cases, the removal of the tumor (midline in 47 and laternal in 15) was attempted; total removal was achieved in 41. The overall mortality was 6.5% (4 patients). Only 25% of the survivors needed permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting. EVD seems, therefore, to be effective in controlling preoperative intracranial hypertension and in securing a smooth postoperative course. Preoperative CSF shunting seems to be necessary or advisable only in particular circumstances.