Extrusion of the Peritoneal Catheter of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Through the Rectum

Abstract

A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a common procedure for hydrocephalus. It is a life-saving procedure but is not risk-free. Some of the most common complications are shunt blockage and infection but they can also present with uncommon presentations. We report A child who presented with extrusion of a shunt catheter through the rectum. It was treated as an infected shunt. Externalization of the shunt was done through the abdominal site and the exposed shunt was removed through the rectum by gentle traction. Once CSF was clear a new shunt was placed on the opposite side. Keywords: VP shunt, shunt infection, anal extrusion. Key Message: Exposure to a shunt catheter through the rectum is an uncommon presentation. It should be treated as an infected shunt. Most of these cases do not cause peritonitis or meningitis. The exposed shunt catheter should be removed through the rectum by gentle traction. Abbreviations: VP-Ventriculoperitoneal, CSF: Cerebrospinal fluid. ETV -Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy.