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Ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedure complicated by ureter obstruction. Case report
Journal of Neurosurgery
|September 1, 1983
Summary
A rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts is ureter obstruction caused by the peritoneal catheter. Shortening the catheter effectively relieved the patient's symptoms in this case study.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Urology
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are commonly used to treat hydrocephalus.
- The peritoneal catheter is a key component, diverting cerebrospinal fluid to the peritoneal cavity.
- Complications can arise from misplaced or elongated catheters.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms indicative of ureter obstruction.
- Diagnostic evaluation revealed the peritoneal catheter of their VP shunt system was the cause.
- The catheter was identified as impinging upon the ureter.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates ureter obstruction as a rare complication of VP shunt placement.
- Surgical intervention involved shortening the indwelling peritoneal catheter.
- The patient experienced complete symptom resolution post-procedure.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of precise peritoneal catheter placement during VP shunt surgery.
- Suggests catheter length adjustment as a viable treatment for this specific complication.
- Contributes to the understanding of rare VP shunt-related urological issues.