Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 24, 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

Hepatic and colonic perforation by an abandoned ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Seng Thipphavong1, Christian J Kellenberger, James T Rutka

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Pediatric Radiology
|May 28, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Retained distal catheters from ventriculoperitoneal shunts can perforate abdominal organs. This case highlights risks associated with leaving shunt parts in the peritoneal cavity during revision surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are common for hydrocephalus treatment.
  • Shunt revisions often involve leaving distal catheter segments in the peritoneal cavity.
  • Potential complications of retained hardware are not fully elucidated.

Observation:

  • A 12-year-old girl presented with complications from an abandoned distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter.
  • The retained catheter led to perforation of both the liver and colon.
  • This case underscores a rare but serious risk of retained shunt components.

Findings:

  • Abandoned distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheters can migrate and cause visceral perforation.
  • Both solid organs (liver) and hollow viscera (colon) are susceptible to perforation.
  • This complication occurred despite the common practice of leaving distal segments in situ.

Implications:

  • Surgical practice regarding retained shunt components may require re-evaluation.
  • Clinicians should consider the risk of perforation when managing abandoned shunt hardware.
  • Further studies are warranted to assess the long-term safety of retained distal shunt catheters.

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...