Introduction of a self-holding retractor for optimized abdominal visualization in ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery: first experiences at a single center.
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation is a common procedure in general neurosurgery. The patient population is often fragile, ranging from elderly to pediatric patients, and avoidance of perioperative complication is of utmost importance. Abdominal catheter dislocation has been found to be a common cause for early shunt dysfunction and needs to be avoided by optimal visualization of the abdominal catheter insertion zone. Here, we introduce a self-holding wound retractor system Alexis® and demonstrate its use for abdominal shunt surgery in a series of patients.
