Cystoperitoneal Shunt for a Giant Intrathoracic Meningocele Under Local Anesthesia

Giant intrathoracic meningoceles are extremely rare, and the standard treatment for giant intrathoracic meningoceles remains controversial. We present the case of a patient with giant intrathoracic meningoceles associated with neurofibromatosis type I. Our patient had poor respiratory function because of the giant intrathoracic meningocele, so we performed a cystoperitoneal shunt under local anesthesia. We describe our cystoperitoneal shunt technique using an adjustable-pressure valve. This simple, minimally invasive treatment is a valuable alternative treatment option in patients at high operative risk, especially those with low respiratory function. (Ann Thorac Surg 2011;91:317-9) (C) 2011 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons