Exteriorization of the distal catheter for ventriculoperitoneal shunt protruding through the peritoneal space: experience with 1 case

Abstract

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is the most widely used procedure for diverting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for hydrocephalus. Migration of the distal catheter of VP shunts has been reported but extrusion through the abdominal wall is rare. We report a case involving distal catheter extrusion. The catheter was exteriorized without compromising CSF flow while awaiting reoperation. This controlled hydrocephalus and allowed confirmation of CSF sterility prior to shunt replacement.

Keywords:

• Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts
• hydrocephalus
• distal catheter extrusion
• exteriorization

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Southwest Medical University Research Fund [grant number 14065].