Removal of an intraperitoneal foreign body using a single port laparoscopic procedure

Abstract

Background and objectives: To remove a foreign body from the peritoneal cavity in laparoscopic surgery, 2 or 3 ports are usually used. We have recently performed such a removal using a single 10-mm transumbilical port, a 0-degree laparoscope, a Farabeuf retractor, and a laparoscopic grasping forceps.

Methods: Two patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter (V-P shunt) were admitted to our unit during the last year. They previously had a shunt catheter implanted for hydrocephalus of unknown cause. The complete migration of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter into the peritoneal cavity was observed in these patients 12 and 7 years after the implantation. The laparoscopic removal of the migrated catheter was decided on. Its presence and location were confirmed by the use of a 0-degree laparoscope, through a 10-mm trocar port. The catheter was held and pulled out using a grasping forceps that was pushed in just beside the trocar port.

Conclusion: The laparoscopic approach enables safe removal of a foreign body in the peritoneal cavity. The procedure can be performed using a single port.

Figure 1.

Plain abdominal X-ray: the V-P shunt catheter inside the abdominal cavity.

Figure 2.

Abdominal CT: the V-P shunt catheter located in the lower abdomen.

Figure 3.

Our simplified single-port laparoscopic technique: the position of the Farabeuf retractor, grasping forceps, and laparoscope.

Figure 4.

The removed V-P shunt catheter.