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Updated: May 26, 2026
14:59
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
[Cerebrospinal fluid ascites from a ventriculoperitoneal shunt]
W J Wilma Houtman-van Duinen1, Yvonne M Ende-Verhaar, Godard C W de Ruiter
1Groene Hart Ziekenhuis, afd. Interne geneeskunde, Gouda, the Netherlands. w.j.houtman@gmail.com
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|December 22, 2011
Summary
Cerebrospinal fluid ascites is a rare, late complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. This case highlights a patient who developed ascites 15 years after shunt placement, emphasizing the need for awareness of delayed complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are the primary treatment for hydrocephalus.
- Cerebrospinal fluid ascites is an uncommon complication of these shunts.
- This complication can manifest years after initial shunt implantation.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain 15 years post-ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement.
- Imaging confirmed significant ascites, indicating cerebrospinal fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Findings:
- The patient developed cerebrospinal fluid ascites as a late complication.
- Placement of a ventriculoatrial shunt resolved the ascites.
Implications:
- This case underscores that cerebrospinal fluid ascites can manifest years after initial shunt surgery.
- Clinicians should consider shunt-related complications in patients with unexplained ascites, regardless of implantation time.
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