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Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
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Asymptomatic bowel perforation by abandoned ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Eric K Rinker1, Daniel A Osborn1, Todd R Williams1
1Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, USA.
Journal of Radiology Case Reports
|January 15, 2014
Summary
An abandoned ventriculoperitoneal shunt migrated within the abdomen, affecting the stomach, colon, and liver. This asymptomatic case highlights rare shunt complications and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are common neurosurgical devices used to treat hydrocephalus.
- Shunt malfunction and migration are known complications, though extensive intra-abdominal migration is rare.
Observation:
- An incidental finding on abdominal CT revealed an abandoned VP shunt had migrated extensively within the abdomen.
- The shunt segments were located in the gastric antrum, colonic hepatic flexure, and liver parenchyma.
Findings:
- The patient remained asymptomatic despite the significant migration of the abandoned VP shunt.
- Radiological review indicated the migration progressed over approximately 7 years.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for delayed and extensive migration of abandoned VP shunts.
- It highlights the importance of considering shunt complications in patients with prior neurosurgical history, even when asymptomatic.
- Management strategies for such rare migratory complications require careful consideration of clinical presentation and potential risks.
Keywords:
Ventriculoperitoneal shuntabandonedasymptomaticbowelcolondisconnectedintestinelivermigratemigrationorphanedperforationstomachMore Related Videos
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