Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery in Pediatrics: Does Preoperative Skin Antisepsis with Chlorhexidine/Alcohol Reduce Postoperative Shunt Infection Rate?

Background:  In pediatrics, shunt infection is considered the most common complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion and the main cause of shunt failure. Careful surgical technique and hygienic skin preparations are highly important for prevention of shunt infections. Our objective was to assess the significance of using preoperative chlorhexidine/alcohol as a skin antiseptic in reducing the infection rate in pediatric VP shunts surgery.