Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
14:59

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Published on: October 14, 2022

Ascites in ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Raj Kumar1, Surbhi Sahay, Bandana Gaur

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences & King George's Medical College, Lucknow, U.P. India. rajkumar@sgpgi.ac.in

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|January 2, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Ascites following cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt placement can occur due to various factors including tumor metastasis, excessive CSF production, or infection. Prompt surgical intervention and shunt repositioning are crucial for managing this complication in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Neuro-oncology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are commonly used to treat hydrocephalus in children.
  • Ascites and abdominal pseudocysts are known complications of CSF shunting.
  • Identifying the underlying causes of ascites post-shunt is critical for effective management.

Observation:

  • This study retrospectively analyzed four pediatric cases of ascites developing after ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement.
  • The onset of ascites varied from 6 months to 1 year and 2 months post-shunt insertion.
  • The primary etiologies for hydrocephalus included thalamic glioblastoma, choroid plexus papilloma, post-tubercular meningitis, and craniopharyngioma.

Findings:

  • Etiologies for ascites included peritoneal metastasis from thalamic glioblastoma, excessive CSF production by choroid plexus papilloma, shunt infection, and craniopharyngioma-induced excessive CSF production.
  • Each case presented unique challenges related to the underlying intracranial lesion and shunt function.

Implications:

  • The findings highlight the diverse etiologies of ascites following CSF diversion in pediatric patients with intracranial lesions.
  • Management strategies involve addressing the primary cause of ascites, such as peritoneal metastasis or infection, alongside shunt revision.
  • This emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex pediatric neurosurgical cases with shunt-related complications.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Ascites01:19

Ascites

DefinitionAscites is the buildup of fluid inside the peritoneal cavity. It occurs when fluid moves out of the vascular system faster than the peritoneal lymphatics can remove it. This fluid shift is most commonly seen in liver cirrhosis but can also appear in several other systemic disorders.EtiologyCirrhosis remains the leading cause of ascites. Other conditions that can contribute include:Heart failureConstrictive pericarditisAbdominal cancersNephrotic syndromeSevere protein–calorie...
Portal Hypertension01:22

Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...
Veins of the Abdomen and Pelvis01:18

Veins of the Abdomen and Pelvis

The human body is a complex system of interconnected parts, and the circulatory system plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. One key component of this system is the inferior vena cava, a large vein responsible for returning blood from the abdominopelvic viscera and abdominal walls to the heart.
The inferior vena cava is fed by numerous smaller veins. The lumbar veins, for instance, drain the posterior abdominal wall, emptying both directly into the inferior vena cava and into the...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...