Use of adipose tissue to ease compatibility of a stylet with its sheath during ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement: technical note

Document Type

Article

Abstract

BACKGROUND: When placing a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in adults, we have found it is often difficult to insert or remove the stylet of the shunt passer. Saline fails to provide sufficient lubrication, and the biocompatibility of mineral oil has not been substantiated. OBJECTIVE: The authors describe a novel technique to ameliorate this problem. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement is a common procedure within neurosurgery. This technique is conceivably applicable to all patients requiring diversion of cerebrospinal fluid. INTERVENTION AND TECHNIQUE: A small amount of adipose tissue is harvested from the incision in the abdominal wall. The adipose tissue is rubbed along the stylet before it is inserted into the sheath. CONCLUSION: Autologous adipose tissue can be used safely and effectively as a lubricant for ventriculoperitoneal shunt passers to facilitate the compatibility of a stylet with its sheath. The technique thereby eases the process of passing distal shunt tubing.

Medical Subject Headings

Abdominal Wall (anatomy & histology, surgery); Adipose Tissue (anatomy & histology, surgery); Catheterization (instrumentation, methods); Catheters, Indwelling (standards); Humans; Hydrocephalus (physiopathology, surgery); Lubricants; Lubrication (methods); Needles (standards); Peritoneal Cavity (anatomy & histology, surgery); Postoperative Complications (etiology, physiopathology, prevention & control); Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt (instrumentation, methods)

Publication Date

6-1-2010

Publication Title

Neurosurgery

E-ISSN

1524-4040

Volume

66

Issue

6 Suppl Operative

First Page

333

PubMed ID

20489526

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1227/01.NEU.0000369663.03089.B8

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS