What procedure is most commonly done to correct hydrocephalus after surgery for a meningomyelocele?

The procedure most commonly performed to correct hydrocephalus after surgery for a meningomyelocele is the ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP shunt). This intervention is widely utilized for managing conditions associated with increased intracranial pressure, particularly when there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as often seen in cases of hydrocephalus.

Following surgical repair of meningomyelocele, the risk of hydrocephalus can increase due to alterations in CSF circulation. A VP shunt consists of a catheter placed in the ventricles of the brain that drains excess CSF into the peritoneal cavity, where it can be absorbed by the body. This method effectively helps to alleviate the pressure on the brain caused by excess fluid, making it a common choice in pediatric patients.

The other options serve distinct roles in different clinical scenarios. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is often used for obstructive hydrocephalus but is less common in the context of post-surgical cases from meningomyelocele. Intrathecal shunts are less frequently utilized and typically reserved for more specific situations. An external ventricular drain is generally a temporary solution typically employed in acute settings to manage high intracranial pressure, rather than