Spontaneous extrusion of peritoneal catheter of ventriculoperitoneal shunt through the intact abdominal wall: Report of two cases

Abstract

Among the various complications associated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery, migration of the peritoneal catheter is one of the rarest complications. We report two cases of spontaneous extrusion of the peritoneal portion of the VPS through the intact abdominal wall at an area unrelated to the surgical incision. Both were conscious and had no neurological deficits. There were no signs of infection. The peritoneal end of the shunt was removed through the abdomen. Shunt revision was performed. The patients were discharged 8 days after the revision without any complications. At 6-month follow-up, both of them are doing well. Possible mechanisms of abdominal wall perforation are discussed. Pulling the extruded peritoneal end through abdominal wall decreases the possibility of infection and is probably the best way of management.