Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
14:59
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Laparoscopic fundoplication in children with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts
Rainer Kubiak1, Clare Skerritt, Hugh W Grant
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Oxford University Hospital , Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom. rainerkubiak@hotmail.com
Summary
Laparoscopic fundoplication is a safe procedure for children with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, showing low complication rates. Careful consideration of adhesions and gastrostomy placement is recommended for optimal outcomes in these pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Children with ventriculo-peritoneal (V-P) shunts face risks of infection, morbidity, and mortality.
- Some pediatric patients with V-P shunts require additional abdominal surgeries like fundoplication.
- Assessing outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication in children with existing V-P shunts is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication in children with V-P shunts.
- To compare complication rates and surgical outcomes between children with and without V-P shunts undergoing fundoplication.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database (July 1998 - March 2011).
- Analysis of intra- and postoperative complications, including shunt-related issues within 6 months.
- Comparison of V-P shunt patients with a control group using statistical tests (t-test, chi-squared, Fisher's exact).
Main Results:
- 11 out of 343 children (3.2%) had a V-P shunt during fundoplication.
- 55% of V-P shunt patients had adhesions; only 1 conversion to open surgery was needed.
- No postoperative shunt dysfunction or infection occurred; outcomes were similar to non-shunt patients.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic fundoplication is a feasible surgical option for children with V-P shunts.
- While adhesions are common, conversion rates are low, indicating safety.
- Simultaneous percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertion requires careful laparoscopic guidance to mitigate complications.
