Transoral migration of the inferior end of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt: A case report with literature review

Abstract

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery is the most widely used technique for the treatment of hydrocephalus. However, it can incur certain complications. Beside frequent complications (infection, obstruction), migration of the peritoneal catheter is a rare but dangerous complication. This report presents the case of a 4-year-old boy who had undergone VP shunt for hydrocephalus. One month later, the patient presented with protrusion of the peritoneal catheter through his mouth. He underwent another procedure to remove the peritoneal catheter, retaining the original ventricular catheter and valve chamber. Progression was favorable. To the best of our knowledge, only 7 cases of VP shunt transoral extrusion were reported, but many risk factors were identified. Bowel perforation is a serious complication of VP shunt surgery, sometimes leading to fatal outcome.