title: A retrospective analysis of laparoscopically assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Georgia Baptist Medical Center, Atlanta 30312, USA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Box
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mason
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Angood
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yancey
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schiess
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Lucas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / Q000379:methods*