Bowel Perforation at the Delayed Stage After Shunt Surgery: Case Report

Abstract

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery is common used procedure in the treatment of hydrocephalus. This invasive procedure has been associated with several abdominal complications. Bowel perforation from peritoneal catheter is rare, but is an important complication; if early diagnosis is established severe ventriculitis and sepsis may develop ascending infection from gasrointestinal flora migrating thorough catheter. A 7.5-year-old, ventriculoperitoneal shunted girl with hydrocephalus was admitted for recurrent meningitis. Computed tomographic scan revealed peritoneal catheter perforating the sigmoid colon. Bowel perforation should be considered definitely if there is recurrent meningitis without the rectal extrusion of peritoneal catheter in patients with shunt.