Laparoscopic management of associated abdominal complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunt: case report

BACKGROUND: Abdominal complications after ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement are reported in 5–47% of cases. Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pseudocyst is an uncommon complication of a VP shunt, the majority being reported in children. Abdominal pseudocysts and intra-abdominal catheter migration are rare in adult patients. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt obstruction or malfunction results in elevated intracranial pressure, representing an indication for immediate intervention. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: The authors report a case of successful laparoscopic management in a 20-year-old female patient who developed CSF pseudocyst combined with migration of the fractured catheter in the abdominal cavity nine years after VP shunting for hydrocephalus. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic approach is a safe and useful treatment modality for combined peritoneal complications of VP shunt.