Abstract
Background: During the last two years, laparoscopy has been utilized to facilitate the rapid, safe and direct placement of the abdominal component of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. This study was undertaken to review the feasibility, benefits, technique, and clinical application of laparoscopically assisted ventriculoperitoneal (LAVP) shunt placement.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of the records of six patients who underwent LAVP shunt placement was undertaken. The sex, age, technique, indication for surgery, comorbid conditions, complications operative time, results, and mortality were noted.
Results: All patients underwent successful shunt placement. This included placement in the face of previous abdominal surgery, including a percutaneous gastrostomy. The one major complication, hemothorax, was not associated with the laparoscopic portion of the procedure.
Conclusions: Using basic laparoscopic skills and nonspecialized equipment, laparoscopic assistance in ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement offers easy, direct placement of the intraabdominal portion of the catheter in most situations and provides definite patient benefits.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Armbruster C, Blauensteiner J, Ammerer HP, Kriwanek S (1993) Laparoscopically assisted implantation of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. J Laparosc Endosc Surg 3: 191–192
Hasson HM (1971) A modified instrument and method for laparoscopy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 11: 886–887
Hulka JF (1980) Complications of laparoscopy. Curr Prob Obstet Gynecol 4: 3–63
Morgan WW (1979) The use of peritoneoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunts in children. J Pediatr Surg 14: 180–181
Phillips KM, Hulka JK, Peterson HB (1984) American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopist's 1982 membership survey. J Reprod Med 29: 592–594
Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (1978) Gynecologic laparoscopy: report on the confidential inquiry into gynecologic laparoscopy. Fencourt Printers, East Preston, UK
Schievink WI, Wharen RE Jr, Reimer R, Petitt PDM, Seiler JC, Shine TSJ (1993) Laparoscopic placement of ventriculoperitoneal shunts: preliminary report. Mayo Clin Proc 68: 1064–1066
Schrenk P, Woisetschläger R, Wayand WU, Polanski P (1994) Laparoscopic removal of dislocated ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Surg Endosc 8: 1113–1114
Wilkins RH, Rengachary SS (1985) Hydrocephalus: treatment. In: Neurosorgery. McGraw-Hill, New York, pp 2140–2150
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Box, J.C., Young, D., Mason, E. et al. A retrospective analysis of laparoscopically assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Surg Endosc 10, 311–313 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00187378
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00187378