This study aims to investigate the effect of external lumbar cistern drainage in preventing postoperative hydrocephalus in patients who have undergone meningioma surgery and its impact on patient satisfaction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of meningiomas based on established diagnostic criteria and pathological confirmation
• postoperative development of hydrocephalus, specifically communicating hydrocephalus
• absence of other intracranial tumours or contraindications for surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• concurrent mental disorders, coagulation dysfunction or organic diseases affecting other areas
• hematologic diseases, severe liver or kidney dysfunction
• patients discontinuing treatment or transferring to a higher-level hospital
• a history of hydrocephalus, such as obstructive hydrocephalus

This retrospective study analysed data from 86 patients who developed postoperative hydrocephalus following meningioma surgery, conducted between May 2019 and May 2022. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients were divided into two groups. The control group (n = 43) received conventional treatment methods, and the observation group (n = 43) underwent external drainage of the lumbar cistern.