Lumbar subcutaneous shunt

Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of lumbar subcutaneous shunt does not appear adequate for this procedure to be used without special arrangements for consent and for audit or research.

Clinicians wishing to undertake lumbar subcutaneous shunt should take the following actions.

• Inform the clinical governance leads in their Trusts.

• Ensure that patients understand the uncertainty about the procedure's safety and efficacy and provide them with clear written information. Use of NICE's information for the public is recommended.

• Audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients having lumbar subcutaneous shunt.

Publication of safety and efficacy outcomes will be useful in reducing the current uncertainty. NICE may review the procedure upon publication of further evidence.