Roles of Nurses in Caring for Patients Undergo Ommaya Reservoir Placement

Abstract

Ommaya reservoir catheter Placement Surgery is an operation to put an Ommaya reservoir under the scalp and get it connected to Ventricular catheter that is placed in one of the ventricles in the brain.  It can be used for injecting antibiotics or chemotherapy into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is also used for collecting samples of CSF for examination. Currently, there are increasing number of patients who need to be treated by intracranial medication via Ommaya reservoir. Most of the patients undergoing Ommaya Shunt surgery are the advanced cancer patients who require intraventricular chemotherapy. Recently, navigation system has been introduced as a modality option in surgery, resulting in that the ventricular catheter is placed in a more accurate position. This article provides evidence-based information through a review of relevant literature and the tacit knowledge from nursing experiences in caring for patients undergo Ommaya device. This information would enable nurses gain more knowledge and understanding when taking care of this group of patients, pre, during, and post-surgery. Perioperative nurses could apply this information into practice to provide care safely and efficiently, enhancing standard and smooth surgery.