Spontaneous transanal protrusion of ventriculoperitoneal catheter: a case report

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement that diverts the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the peritoneal cavity is the most common method of treatment of hydrocephalus. This shunt has a high incidence of malfunction mainly due to catheter obstruction or infection. About 20% of these complications are abdominal that may occur at any time after shunt placement from 1 week to several years. This study reports a case of 2.5-year old child with a history of hydrocephalus who had a VP shunt placed which was protruded from the anus on the day of referral. The patient was treated successfully after extrusion of the shunt through the anus, receiving antibiotics and being carefully observed. He was discharged from the hospital after one week.