Ventriculoperitoneal shunt-associated abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocysts and the role of laparoscopy and a proposed management algorithm in its treatment: A report of 2 cases

Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst (APC) is a rare complication associated with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement. Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst is defined as a cyst surrounded by a non-epithelial lining and filled with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In general, 1% - 4.5% of all patients treated with a VPS develop CSF pseudocysts. Here, we have presented 2 cases of APC complicating VPS placement and a proposed treatment management algorithm. The cases pertained to 7-year-old and 5-year-old children who had undergone VPS placement during infancy and presented with progressive abdominal distention and vomiting and fever, respectively. Both cases were assessed using similar investigations and imaging modalities and diagnosed with APC. However, the treatments were individually tailored based on the algorithm; successful outcomes were achieved in both patients. Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst treatment is difficult considering the presence of adhesions and infection and is associated with a high recurrence rate.