Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts: A case series

Introduction

Patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) are at risk of associated complications during laparoscopic surgery. Although these cases are rare, the surgeon should be aware of the pathophysiology of such complications in order to recognize and avoid them.

Case presentation

Three patients with a VPS who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy are presented. Two of the patients suffered from symptomatic gallstone disease, and the third, the oldest, from acute calculus cholecystitis. All patients had a VPS because of hydrocephalus. There were no intraoperative complications in this series.

Discussion

This small case series presents a rare condition that can be the cause of complications during laparoscopic surgery. Septic complications, including VPS infection and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infection, pneumocephalus, CSF pseudocyst, and adhesions due to the presence of the VPS, are all possible occurrences. These are discussed, with a short literature review.