Laparoscopic Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement in Hydrocephalus

Objective : The ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the standard therapy for the management of hydrocephalus. Laparoscopic revision of distal shunt malfunction has become popular, but laparoscopic peritoneal shunt placements are not performed often. We present a series of 15 consecutive patients in which VP shunts were placed with laparoscopic assistance. Methods : From April 2007 to December 2009, 15 patients (aged 44-79 years) with hydrocephalus underwent laparoscopic VP shunt placement. Patients were followed postoperatively for signs and symptoms related to shunt malfunction, shunt infection, and procedure morbidity. Results : All patients tolerated this procedure well, and there were no complications. The benefits of this procedure included shunt placement under direct vision, and reduced risk of both abdominal trauma and intra-abdominal adhesions. Conclusion : Laparoscopic-assisted placement of the VP shunt is a good alternative treatment option for hydrocephalus patients. (Kor J Cerebrovascular Surgery 12(3):213-215, 2010)