Laparoscopy-assisted abdominal shunt revisions in children with hydrocephalus.

Abdominal shunt revisions are frequently necessary for ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems in children with hydrocephalus internus. There are many well-known problems related to abdominal shunt revisions such as difficulties in reaching the abdominal cavity, intra-abdominal adhesions, cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst, or problems in retrieving dislocated catheters. From 6/1996 to 12/1997 we operated on twenty (20) children aged from 2-15 years (body weight 4.8-68 kg) with abdominal shunt insufficiency using the laparoscopy assisted technique. In only one case was it impossible to reach the abdominal cavity laparoscopically and conventional open surgery was necessary. We had no complications such as injured vessels or bowel and saw a complete recovery in all patients. In comparison to conventional surgery, we found handling simple, minor trauma to the patients, good intra-abdominal view, short operation times and good cosmetic results to be the advantages of laparoscopy-assisted abdominal shunt revision. In addition hospitalisation time can be reduced.