LAPAROSCOPIC REMOVAL OF DISLOCATED VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNTS - REPORT OF 2 CASES

In two patients the dislocated abdominal catheter of a ventriculoperit oneal (VP) shunt was successfully removed from the abdominal cavity by laparoscopy. Avoiding laparotomy, only two small abdominal incisions were necessary to insert the laparoscope and the grasping forceps. Pos toperative course was uncomplicated except for protrusion of a part of the greater omentum through the umbilical incision in one patient. Bo th patients were mobilized on the operative day. Surgery required only 10 min, provided an excellent view of the entire abdomen, and led to prompt identification and removal of the lost catheter.