Distal shunt revision: a simple method to avoid repeat laparotomy

Abstract

Hydrocephalus is usually treated by placement of a ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt. Distal VP shunt failure is a common complication of this procedure, especially in the paediatric population. Distal shunt revisions are often made more technically difficult by challenging abdominal anatomy. In this technical note, we describe a simple technique utilizing tenting sutures and the previous shunt tract for placement of the distal abdominal catheter accurately into the peritoneal space during distal shunt revision.