Anal extrusion of a ventriculo peritoneal shunt tube: Endoscopic removal

We describe the extrusion of a ventriculo peritoneal shunt tube from the anus into a 6-year-old boy following the placement of a ventriculo peritoneal shunt for postoperative periventricular tumor-induced hydrocephalus. He was admitted with a complaint of extrusion of a tube through anus on and off during bowel evacuation. He was evaluated with an X-ray of the abdomen which was showing a coiled tube in descending and sigmoid colon, confirmed by sigmoidoscopy. The proximal end was exposed for external ventricular drainage and distal end was removed endoscopically. The patient was watched for peritonitis and managed conservatively. The proximal end of the tube was removed after 5 days of external ventricular drainage and after ruling out ventriculitis and meningitis. Bowel perforation by a ventriculo peritoneal tube is a rare complication. Diagnosis is often difficult and delayed. Most of the bowel perforation is seen in young patients.