Laparoscopic-assisted intraperitoneal placement of lumboperitoneal shunt in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Abstract

Background Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunting is an effective treatment option aiming at cerebrospinal fluid diversion in cases of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Confirming the distal end position, on the other hand, could be technically difficult, especially in obese people. With minimal invasive procedures, laparoscopic-assisted placement of the peritoneal side of the LP shunt became a valid treatment option. In this study, we aim to evaluate the operation duration, possible complications, and patient outcomes after the placement of a peritoneal catheter using the laparoscopically assisted technique. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical, preoperative, and postoperative data for 18 patients diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and undergoing LP shunt surgery using the laparoscopic-assisted technique for intraperitoneal catheter placement between 2019 and 2021 was performed. Results The average operating time was 93.89 min, and the average hospital stay was 2.3 days. There was no mortality among cases treated with the described technique, and no intraoperative complication occurred. Seven patients (38.9%) had LP shunt failure, with a median duration to failure of 212 days; three cases for slippage, two cases had over drainage, one case had peritoneal adhesions around the shunt tip, and one case had Arnold Chiari malformation. Conclusions The laparoscopic assisted technique is safe and feasible. It allowed a direct vision of the shunt tip position within the peritoneal cavity which helped in confirming position and assessing function, resulting in a superior option over classic surgical options. Short hospital stay, minimal postoperative pain, and low failure rates are the main advantages of described technique.