Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic assistance with CSF shunts in children

Between June 1992 and June 1994, six children underwent laparoscopic or thoracoscopic assistance in the management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts. Four children (3 to 12 years of age) required laparoscopic assistance. Two children (5 and 10 years of age) underwent thoracoscopy with insertion of syringopleural shunts for decompression of cervicothoracic hydromyelia. Most children who require CSF decompression do not need endoscopic assistance for placement of the terminal portion of the shunt. However, in selected patients who have undergone previous abdominal procedures, in patients with a persistent pseudocyst occupying an extensive portion of the abdominal cavity, and in patients requiring removal of a disconnected shunt, laparoscopy is the ideal approach. Thoracoscopy for a syringopleural shunt prevents the need for minithoracotomy.