A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF LAPAROSCOPICALLY ASSISTED VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNTS

Background: During the last two years, laparoscopy has been utilized t o facilitate the rapid, safe and direct placement of the abdominal com ponent of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. This study was undertaken to re view 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, techniqu e, indication for surgery, comorbid conditions, complications operativ e time, results, and mortality were noted, Results: All patients under went successful shunt placement. This included placement in the face o f previous abdominal surgery, including a percutaneous gastrostomy. Th e one major complication, hemothorax, was not associated with the lapa roscopic portion of the procedure. Conclusions: Using basic laparoscop ic skills and nonspecialized equipment, laparoscopic assistance in ven triculoperitoneal shunt placement offers easy, direct placement of the intraabdominal portion of the catheter in most situations and provide s definite patient benefits.