Bowel perforation by ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter mimicking gastroenteritis

Saeid Aslanabadi1, Mandana Rafeey, Kamyar Ghabili

  • 1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Research Center of Children's Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|September 15, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Colon perforation from a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is rare but serious. This case highlights a 7-month-old infant experiencing gastrointestinal issues due to shunt-induced colon perforation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are common treatments for hydrocephalus.
  • Colon perforation is an infrequent but severe complication associated with these shunts.

Observation:

  • A 7-month-old infant presented with vomiting and watery diarrhea.
  • The infant's symptoms were linked to a ventriculoperitoneal shunt that had perforated the colon.

Findings:

  • Colonoscopy identified the exact site of shunt penetration in the left colon.
  • A minimal laparotomy was successfully used to address the perforation.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis for shunt-related complications.
  • Accurate localization of the perforation is crucial for effective surgical management.

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