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Updated: Aug 22, 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

Delayed external ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection

Robert Owen1, Thomas Pittman

  • 1University of Kentucky Chandler Medical School, Department of Surgery, Lexington, KY 40536-0298, USA. rdowen0@uky.edu

The Journal of the Kentucky Medical Association
|September 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Late shunt infections can present as chronic draining sinuses, even without malfunction or internal infection. Prompt removal of the infected shunt system is key for treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Device Infections

Background:

  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are crucial for managing hydrocephalus.
  • Shunt infection is a known complication, often occurring early.
  • Approximately 10% of shunt infections manifest over a year post-operation.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases presented with unique late shunt infections.
  • Infections manifested as chronic, draining sinuses along the shunt tubing.
  • No shunt malfunction or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infection was present.

Findings:

  • These cases represent a distinct form of delayed, external shunt infection.
  • External infections responded effectively to shunt system removal.
  • The study highlights the possibility of localized, late-onset external infections.

Implications:

  • Recognizing this unique presentation is vital for timely diagnosis.
  • External shunt infections require specific management strategies.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis of late, external shunt infections is warranted.

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