Laparoscopic surgery in a patient with ventriculoperitoneal shunt: Monitoring of shunt function with transcranial Doppler

Abstract

We describe the use of transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring during laparoscopic resection of an ovarian cyst in a young woman who previously underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus. Shunt function was not altered by pneumoperitoneum, except during transient episodes of high intra-abdominal pressure. The role of TCD monitoring during laparoscopic procedures in patients with cerebrospinal fluid shunt is discussed. © The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia 2004.