To evaluate the application value of 3D Slicer image software in the preoperative design of ventriculoperitoneal shunting via posterior horn of lateral ventricle.

The CT image data of 11 patients with hydrocephalus admitted to Neurosurgery Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from July 2020 to August 2021 were analyzed. These patients were scheduled to undergo ventriculoperitoneal shunt through the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle, and the 3D Slicer image reconstruction software was used to reconstruct the patient’s image data. The analysis processes include designing the puncture location and direction. Then, according to the postoperative CT data, the actual puncture location and puncture direction were compared with the preoperative data to judge the accuracy of the preoperative plan.

All patients were successfully punctuted once, and postoperative CT scans were satisfactory for the location and direction of the ventricle drainage tube. There were no significant differences between the preoperative design and the actual postoperative puncture site in the distance above the external occipital protuberance, the distance lateral to the midline and the angle within the puncture direction (P>0.05), but the difference in the puncture direction downward puncture angle was statistically significant (P=0.021).

For patients who need puncture through the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle during ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery, the precise puncture point and puncture direction designed by 3D Slicer image reconstruction software can be used as an important part of the preoperative planning.