Spontaneous Anal Extrusion of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter: Case Report

Abstract Background  Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) has become the standard treatment for congenital hydrocephalus. In the neurosurgical practice, it is a common procedure which usually results in low rates of complication. However, some serious complications can occur, including infections, intestinal perforation, and even death. Case Description  A 19-year-old, female, asymptomatic patient, with a history of appendectomy and revision of the VPS 6 years before, presented spontaneous transanal extrusion of the catheter. Abdominal radiographs and tomography scans showed perforation of the descending colon without peritonitis, with expulsion of the distal tip of the catheter through the anus. The patient underwent removal of the proximal part of the VPS and installation of an external ventricular drain (EVD). On the second postoperative day, there was spontaneous elimination of the distal portion of the catheter, dispensing any additional surgical procedures. With antimicrobial prophylaxis and the contralateral VPS performed, the patient evolved without further complications until discharge. Diverging from cases reported in the literature, the patient in question did not present any abdominal manifestations. Conclusion  Intestinal perforation by VPS may be asymptomatic until anal extrusion occurs. However, the early approach should avoid infections, which are associated with increased mortality. Removing only the proximal catheter, together with antimicrobial prophylaxis, can be an effective, safe and less invasive alternative to manage this complication of VPS.