Case Report: Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter Migration and Transanal Extrusion in Persistent Vegetative State Adult Patient

Abstract

The complications of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are many and are reported in literature extensively. The complication of transanal extrusion after bowel perforation is known although rare. This complication is very well described amongst the children. The authors describe the case of bowel perforation and transanal extrusion of a VP shunt occurring in a 51-year-old adult patient. The patient has a history of craniotomy for acute subdural hematoma after severe head injury one year ago continued with VP shunt for post-traumatic hydrocephalus. Home care with bedridden conditions is done at home until finally, the family gets the catheter extrude from the transanal. Bowel perforation and transanal extrusion of VP shunt catheter is a rare but serious problem. The exact pathogenesis of shunt-related organ perforation and extrusion through the anus is unclear, and various mechanisms have been suggested, Among many factors, age is the prominent factor for bowel perforation.1 Because of weak bowel musculature and stronger peristaltic activity, children are more susceptible to bowel perforation than adult patients. In adult shunted patient, one of the risk factors is related to PVS with chronic immobilization, as described in this case. Risk factors of bowel perforation in adult are quite distinct from children. Persistent vegetative state (PVS) with chronic immobilization is one of the risk factors to be aware of.