J Korean Ster Func Neurosurg.  2022 Jun;18(1):37-41. 10.52662/jksfn.2022.00143.

Colonic perforation as a complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt: two case reports with a literature review

• Kang HG
• Cho KY
• Mun JH
• Lee LS

• KMID: 2534590
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.52662/jksfn.2022.00143

Abstract

This report presents two cases of colonic perforation by a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. In both cases, the displacement of the distal catheter in the colon was diagnosed by abdominal computed tomography (CT). The perforation caused a VP shunt-related cerebrospinal fluid infection, and intravenous antibiotic treatment was applied. The distal end of the shunt catheter was removed by colonoscopy and the perforated site was sealed using hemoclips. There were no intra-abdominal complications after endoscopic management. After the removal of the VP shunt, the aggravation of hydrocephalus was confirmed by brain CT. The patients later died due to complications including aggravation of hydrocephalus, ventriculitis, and pneumonia. Treatment must be individualized and depends upon the clinical presentation. Conservative management, endoscopy, and surgery have been performed. Colonoscopic removal of the shunt catheter is a good option for the treatment of colonic perforation due to VP shunt migration.

Keyword

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt; Colonic perforation; Colonoscopy