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Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
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Published on: October 14, 2022

Bowel perforation secondary to ventriculoperitoneal shunt: case report and clinical analysis

F Zhou1, G Chen, J Zhang

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.

The Journal of International Medical Research
|November 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Bowel perforation is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. This case highlights successful management of a shunt tube protruding through the anus in an infant.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Neurosurgery
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are common for hydrocephalus and meningocoele.
  • Bowel perforation is an infrequent but serious complication.

Observation:

  • An 8-month-old infant with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt presented with the distal tube protruding from the anus.
  • No signs of meningitis or peritonitis were observed.

Findings:

  • Laparotomy revealed the shunt tube entering the transverse colon, encapsulated by the omentum.
  • The tube was transected, the distal end removed rectally, and the colon repaired.
  • The shunt remained functional, and the infant was asymptomatic post-procedure.

Implications:

  • This case demonstrates a rare shunt complication and its successful surgical resolution.
  • Early recognition and intervention are crucial for managing shunt-related bowel perforation.
  • Reviewing therapeutic options is essential for optimizing patient outcomes in similar cases.

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