Management of acute tumor-induced hydrocephalus

Introduction: Hydrocephalus is defined as an abnormal accumulation of CSF in the ventricular cavities of the brain. It is a frequent pathology in neurosurgical settings.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the different therapeutic modalities for acute hydrocephalus of tumoral origin, and the role of nurses in its management.Material and method: This is a retrospective study based on 32 cases having been treated for acute hydrocephalus of tumoral origin at the Tunis Military Hospital, over a ten-year period (2009-2019). Results: The mean age was 14 years, with a male predominance of 59%. HTIC dominated the clinical picture. The most common tumor site was subtentorial. Treatment was based on tumor excision.Conclusions: Acute hydrocephalus of tumoral origin affects all age groups, particularly children. Nurses play a vital role in its therapeutic management, as well as psychologically and in supporting the families and parents of sufferers.