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Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Acute Hydrocephalus Following a Spontaneous Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter Fracture With Scrotal Migration
Caio Perret1, Raphael Bertani1, Barbara Pilon1
1Neurosurgery, Hospital Municipal Miguel Couto, Rio de Janeiro, BRA.
Insights
Genitalia complications from ventriculoperitoneal shunts are rare, usually seen in children. This case highlights a late-onset shunt fracture and scrotal migration in an adult, causing hydrocephalus.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are crucial for treating hydrocephalus.
- Genitalia complications, like scrotal migration, are rare but serious.
- These complications typically occur within the first year post-implantation in pediatric patients.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old male presented with symptoms of acute hydrocephalus.
- The patient had a history of ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation six years prior.
- The presentation was atraumatic, with a fractured shunt and catheter migration to the scrotum.
Findings:
- This case represents a rare instance of late-onset, atraumatic ventriculoperitoneal shunt fracture.
- Catheter migration to the scrotum occurred six years after initial implantation.
- The complication led to acute hydrocephalus, necessitating emergency intervention.
Implications:
- Late-onset shunt complications can occur even in adults.
- Scrotal migration of shunt catheters, though rare, can lead to severe outcomes like shunt dysfunction.
- This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for shunt complications throughout a patient's life.
Abstract:
Genitalia-related complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunts, such as scrotal migrations, are rare and most frequently presenting during the first year of the system placement, usually in the pediatric population, due to several factors, including vaginal process patency and increased abdominal pressure. Despite being typically benign, hernias, hydroceles, perforations, and catheter migration to the scrotum can lead to permanent disabilities and lethal complications, such as ventriculoperitoneal shunt dysfunction. We report a case of a late-onset, atraumatic, ventriculoperitoneal shunt fracture and catheter migration to the scrotum in a 22-year-old male, six years after its implantation, presenting in the emergency department due to acute hydrocephalus symptoms.
