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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
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Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
[Splenic trauma by ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter]
J Lubrano1, E Huet, C Rabehenoina
1Service de Chirurgie Générale et Digestive, Rouen Cedex.
Neuro-Chirurgie
|January 5, 2006
Summary
Ventriculoperitoneal shunts, used for hydrocephalus, can rarely cause splenic trauma. This case highlights a splenic injury 10 years post-shunt insertion, successfully managed conservatively.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are a common treatment for hydrocephalus.
- While generally safe, abdominal complications can occur.
- Splenic trauma is a rare but serious complication.
Observation:
- A patient presented with spontaneous splenic trauma 10 years after ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion.
- The splenic trauma was attributed to the shunt catheter.
- No prior symptoms or direct trauma were reported.
Findings:
- The splenic trauma was diagnosed and managed conservatively.
- The patient recovered fully without surgical intervention.
- This represents the first reported case of catheter-induced splenic trauma from a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare but significant complication of long-term ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement.
- Suggests the need for vigilance in diagnosing abdominal complications in patients with shunts.
- Conservative management may be a viable option for splenic trauma in select cases.
