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Abdominal complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunts in Nigerians
International Surgery
|October 1, 1977
Insights
Ventriculoperitoneal shunts treat hydrocephalus in children. Abdominal complications, including pouch formation and bowel issues, were observed in 154 pediatric patients over 12 years.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Hydrocephalus is a condition requiring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion.
- Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is a common surgical intervention for pediatric hydrocephalus.
- Abdominal complications can arise from VP shunt placement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the spectrum of abdominal complications following ventriculoperitoneal shunting in a pediatric cohort.
- To analyze the incidence and nature of these complications over a 12-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 154 pediatric patients undergoing VP shunting.
- Documentation of all recorded abdominal complications related to the shunt.
Main Results:
- 154 hydrocephalic children underwent VP shunting over 12 years.
- Observed complications included peritoneal fibrosis, accidental tube removal, ascites, spontaneous extrusion, bowel perforation, and volvulus.
Conclusions:
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunting in children is associated with a range of abdominal complications.
- Awareness of these potential issues is crucial for surgical management and patient care.
Abstract:
During a period of 12 years, 154 hydrocephalic children were treated with ventriculoperitoneal CSF shunting operations. The abdominal complications thus far encountered include development of a peritoneal fibrous pouch, deliberate extraction of the tube by mothers who mistook it for an Ascaris worm, failure of CSF absorption by the peritoneum giving rise to ascites, spontaneous extrusion of the abdominal tube, bowel perforation and volvulus.