Spontaneous extrusion of migrated ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter through chest wall: a case report

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the most commonly performed procedure for the management of hydrocephalus. VP shunt related complications remain a persistent problem in clinical practice. However, extrusion of components of shunt apparatus is very rare. Extrusion of ventriculo-peritonea l(VP) shunt catheter is an unusual complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt Surgery. The authors report a case of a 17-year old female who presented with spontaneous extrusion of VP shunt catheter through the anterior chest wall. Pertinent literature is reviewed regarding the etiology and remedial measures to minimize this unusual complication of a very commonly performed neurosurgical procedure.