Peroral extrusion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt: Case report and review of literature

A rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) is bowel perforation by the peritoneal catheter of the shunt tube. Rarer still is the peroral extrusion of such a perforated shunt. A two-month-old infant with history of neonatal meningitis, presented with a large head, bulging fontanelle, and hydrocephalus. A VPS was inserted. The child was doing well till the age of eight months, when following vomiting, the peritoneal end of the shunt came out through the mouth. The shunt was removed and antibiotics started. At follow up after 12 months, the child was doing well. Peroral extrusion of the shunt tube needs prompt treatment, including removal of the extruded shunt tube, and attention to bowel perforation and possible cerebrospinal fluid infection. The reported patient is younger than the five cases reported earlier. Strategies in the management of this complication are reviewed. An individualized approach is essential for the successful treatment of this rare complication.

Keywords
Bowel perforation, complications, hydrocephalus, oral extrusion, ventriculoperioneal shunt