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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Subgaleal migration of the distal catheter of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Fatih Serhat Erol1, Bekir Akgun
1Department of Neurosurgery, Firat University, Faculty of Medicine, Elazig, Turkey.
Abstract:
Proximal migration of the distal end of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt has been observed much more rarely than other numerous shunt-related complications. Subgaleal migration of the peritoneal end is one of the samples. In the preset report we have discussed a case of subgaleal migration of the peritoneal end detected as a result of the examinations performed for shunt dysfunction. There was ventricular dilatation on CT scan of the brain. X-ray examinations confirmed proper ventricular catheter and shunt valve placement but a complete migration of distal (peritoneal) catheter into the subgaleal space. Then the patient's shunt was revised. When our case and the literature were examined, we observed that this complication was frequently encountered during the first postoperative months, in the pediatric ages and in patients with advanced hydrocephalus. Besides, we have detected that the peritoneal catheters had tendency to migration into the subgaleal tissues similar to pre-insertion forms of the preoperatively original packages.
Insights
Proximal migration of ventriculoperitoneal shunt distal ends is rare. This case highlights subgaleal migration of the peritoneal catheter, requiring shunt revision.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are crucial for hydrocephalus management.
- Shunt-related complications are common, but proximal migration of the distal end is rare.
- Subgaleal migration of the peritoneal catheter represents a specific, infrequent complication.
Observation:
- A case of subgaleal migration of the distal peritoneal catheter end is presented.
- Diagnosis was made due to shunt dysfunction, confirmed by CT and X-ray.
- Ventricular dilatation was noted on CT, with proper placement of other shunt components.
Findings:
- The distal peritoneal catheter migrated completely into the subgaleal space.
- Literature review indicates this complication is more common in pediatric patients, within the first postoperative months, and in those with advanced hydrocephalus.
- A tendency for peritoneal catheters to migrate into subgaleal tissues was observed, mirroring their pre-insertion packaging.
Implications:
- This rare complication necessitates awareness among neurosurgeons and pediatric surgeons.
- Prompt diagnosis and shunt revision are essential for managing this complication.
- Understanding migration tendencies may inform future shunt design and surgical techniques to prevent such events.
