Intestinal perforation caused by ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation is one of the most common procedures in paediatric neurosurgery. Although the procedure is used often in general neurosurgical practice and regarded as a safe intervention, it has several usual and unusual complications. About a half of these complications involve the peritoneal catheter. Spontaneous transanal protrusion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt is very rare. A 4-month-old baby was admitted to hospital due to spontaneous, asymptomatic transanal protrusion of ventriculoperitoneal catheter. The boy was put on intravenous antibiotics and taken to surgery. Treatment consisted of extrusion of the peritoneal catheter through the anus and temporary externalisation of the proximal part of the shunt. The previously implanted valve was preserved. Laparotomy was not necessary. Postoperative parenteral nutrition was used. No gastrointestinal complications were found on postoperative observation. Finally, a new peritoneal catheter was implanted.