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.