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Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
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The one-step edge-to-edge technique in ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana1, Gianluca Scalia2, Marco Fricia1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Cannizzaro Hospital, Trauma Center, Gamma Knife Center, Catania, Italy.
British Journal of Neurosurgery
|December 7, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a simplified one-step technique for subcutaneous tunneling of the distal catheter during ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement. This method improves functional and aesthetic outcomes by reducing procedural complexity and patient scarring.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Subcutaneous tunneling of the distal catheter is a critical yet risky step in ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion.
- Current techniques can lead to complications and undesirable aesthetic results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an institutional experience with a novel, simplified technique for distal catheter tunneling in VPS.
- To improve both functional and aesthetic outcomes of VPS procedures.
Main Methods:
- A one-step edge-to-edge technique for distal catheter tunneling was employed over 14 years in 46 adult patients.
- Patient demographics included a mean age of 63, with various hydrocephalus etiologies.
Main Results:
- The modified tunneling technique resulted in no procedure-related complications, with only a 2.2% incidence of transient peripheral VII nerve palsy.
- Patients, particularly young females, appreciated the absence of a middle skin incision and reduced scarring.
Conclusions:
- This represents the first report of a one-step distal catheter tunneling technique in adult VPS surgery.
- The technique simplifies the procedure, reduces operative time, and offers reproducible, improved results.
