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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
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.
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.
Abstract:
Colon perforation is a rare and serious complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The authors report a 7-month-old male infant with vomiting and watery diarrhea after colon perforation by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. A minimal laparotomy incision was performed accurately where preoperative colonoscopy had detected the penetration site of shunting tube in the left colon.
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