Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
14:59
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Recurrent intrahepatic dislocation of ventriculoperitoneal shunt
S Berkmann1, V Schreiber, A Khamis
1Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland. sven.berkmann@bluewin.ch
Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery : MIN
|June 10, 2011
Summary
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt dislocation into the liver is rare. Laparoscopic surgery successfully recovered the catheter, but recurrence and infection necessitated shunt replacement. Chronic infection must be ruled out in cases of peritoneal fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts treat cerebrospinal fluid disorders.
- Shunt catheter dislocation is a known complication.
- Liver capsule perforation by VP shunt catheters is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A patient presented with epigastric pain due to VP shunt catheter dislocation into the liver.
- CT scans documented progressive intrahepatic shunt migration.
- Laparoscopic surgery was performed for shunt recovery.
Findings:
- The laparoscopic approach allowed successful recovery of the dislocated VP shunt catheter.
- The catheter was encased in adhesions, indicating peritoneal fibrosis.
- Recurrence of dislocation occurred, leading to a subdiaphragmatic pseudocapsule and subsequent infection (abscess).
Implications:
- Laparoscopic surgery is an effective treatment for intrahepatic VP shunt dislocation.
- Careful evaluation for chronic infection is crucial to prevent complications like peritoneal fibrosis.
- Infection management and potential shunt revision (e.g., to a ventriculoatrial shunt) are critical.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Hepatic Encephalopathy
DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...
01:22Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...