Laparoscopy assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in children

Background: Placement of ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) can be challenging in children with previous VPS, previous abdominal surgery, or complex abdominal pathology. Laparoscopy can help identify intra-abdominal adhesions and determine the optimal site for insertion of the distal VPS catheter. We analyzed the feasibility and safety of laparoscopy assisted VPS placement (lapVPS) in children.

Methods: A retrospective review from January/2015 to December/2018 was performed. Laparoscopy was performed via a 5 mm trans-umbilical port. Once the optimal entry site was identified, the distal end of the VPS was inserted by Seldinger technique under direct laparoscopic guidance.

Results: One hundred ten lapVPS procedures were reviewed. Median age was 1 (IQR 0.3-9.37) year. Fifty-five (50%) patients were <1 year, and 15 (13.6%) were ≤28 days old. The mean age of the neonates was 14.7 (SD 7.6, range 4-28) days, and the mean weight was 3 (SD 0.39, range 2.4-3.7) kg. Thirty-one (28.2%) lapVPS were initial VPS placements, whereas 79 (71.8%) were subsequent VPS placements. Thirty-nine (35.5%) patients had a history of abdominal surgery or complex abdominal pathology. Median operative time was 36 (IQR 28-56) minutes. One hundred seven (97.3%) patients underwent successful lapVPS. Two (1.8%) patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, and lapVPS was deemed infeasible due to intraabdominal adhesions. One (0.9%) patient had an intestinal perforation from trocar placement. Three patients developed 5 postoperative complications that required a reoperation.

Conclusion: Laparoscopy is a valuable tool to assess the suitability of the peritoneal cavity to accommodate a VPS. LapVPS is safe and can be performed in children of all ages.

Level of evidence: Level IV.