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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
14:59
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Complications of lumboperitoneal shunts
Vincent Y Wang1, Nicholas M Barbaro, Michael T Lawton
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA. wangv@neurosurg.ucsf.edu
Neurosurgery
|June 1, 2007
Summary
Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts are safe for treating communicating hydrocephalus. The horizontal-vertical (HV) valve reduces overdrainage, though it is associated with some minor complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Devices
- Hydrocephalus Treatment
Background:
- Communicating hydrocephalus is often treated with lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts.
- LP shunts can be implanted with or without valves.
- Horizontal-vertical (HV) valve systems are increasingly used in LP shunts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review complications associated with lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of horizontal-vertical (HV) valve systems in LP shunts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 74 patients who received LP shunts between 1998 and 2005.
- Analysis of shunt revisions, reasons for malfunction, and specific complications.
Main Results:
- Obstruction or migration of the peritoneal catheter was the most common reason for revision.
- The horizontal-vertical (HV) valve caused shunt malfunction in nine patients.
- Overdrainage symptoms occurred in 11 patients, primarily those without valves.
- No acquired Chiari malformations were observed with HV valve systems.
- Three infections occurred, requiring shunt removal in two cases.
Conclusions:
- Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt placement is a safe procedure for communicating hydrocephalus.
- Serious complications like subdural hematoma were not observed.
- The horizontal-vertical (HV) valve is linked to minor complications but effectively reduces overdrainage.
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