Open versus laparoscopic ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery is the traditional method for treating hydrocephalus, remaining one of the most regularly used procedures in pediatric neurosurgery. The reported revision rate of VPS can reach up to 80% and significantly reduces the quality of life in the affected children and has a high socioeconomic burden. Traditionally, distal VPS placement has been achieved open via a small laparotomy.

Distal shunt placement in pediatric ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery: an international survey of practice.

Objective: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery is a common treatment for hydrocephalus in children and adults, making it one of the most common procedures in neurosurgery. Children being treated with a VPS often require several revisions during their lifetime with a lifetime revision rate of up to 80%. Several different techniques exist for inserting the distal catheter, while mini-laparotomy, trocar, or laparoscopy is traditionally used.