O Damrah1, P Naik, G Fusai, D Sharma. 1. University Department of Surgery, Royal Free Hospital and University College School of Medicine, 9th Floor, Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, laparoscopic procedures were previously contraindicated for the potential risks of elevating intra-cranial pressure resulting from increased intra-abdominal pressure and shunt malfunction/infection. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Here we present a case of a patient with ventriculo-peritoneal shunt who successfully and uneventfully underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis without any shunt manipulation or intra-cranial pressure monitoring. DISCUSSION: Several methods have been suggested to decrease the risks of increased intra-cranial pressure during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, but have not been routinely used. CONCLUSION: Standard technique laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely used to manage patients with VP shunts presenting with acute gall bladder disease.
INTRODUCTION: In patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, laparoscopic procedures were previously contraindicated for the potential risks of elevating intra-cranial pressure resulting from increased intra-abdominal pressure and shunt malfunction/infection. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Here we present a case of a patient with ventriculo-peritoneal shunt who successfully and uneventfully underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis without any shunt manipulation or intra-cranial pressure monitoring. DISCUSSION: Several methods have been suggested to decrease the risks of increased intra-cranial pressure during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, but have not been routinely used. CONCLUSION: Standard technique laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely used to manage patients with VP shunts presenting with acute gall bladder disease.