OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic ventriculoperitoneal shunt with temporary external drainage in the treatment of hydrocephalus.

METHODSFifty-two cases of hydrocephalus randomized into two groups to receive laparoscopic assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunt with temporary external drainage (19 male and 7 female patients) and conventional ventriculoperitoneal shunt (20 male and 6 female patients). The catheterization time in the abdominal cavity, release time of intracranial hypertension, average hospital stay, postoperative pains, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSLaparoscopic ventriculoperitoneal shunt with temporary external drainage was performed successfully in all the cases without intraoperative conversion to open surgery. Compared with the conventional ventriculoperitoneal shunt, laparoscopic ventriculoperitoneal shunt with temporary external drainage was associated with significantly shortened catheterization time in the abdominal cavity, release time of intracranial hypertension, and average hospital stay (P<0.01) as well as lowered postoperative pain score at 4, 8, 16, and 24 h after the operation. The pain scores at 48 and 72 h postoperatively were comparable between the two groups. During the follow-up 3 months, the patients receiving laparoscopic ventriculoperitoneal shunt were found to have significantly lower rates of peritoneal end obstruction and abdominal cavity infection than those having conventional shunt (3.8% vs 19.2%, P<0.01; 1.0% vs 23.1%, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic ventriculoperitoneal shunt with temporary external drainage is feasible and produces better clinical therapeutic effect for management of hydrocephalus.