Migración de catéter distal a nivel del recto como complicación de derivación ventriculoperitoneal. Reporte de caso / Catheter Migration Through the Rectum as Ventricular Peritoneal Shunt Complication. Case Report

Resumen La hidrocefalia es una entidad nosológica común que en muchos casos tiene como tratamiento de elección la derivación ventricular hacia cualquier cavidad. Dentro de las complicaciones más frecuentes, tenemos las abdominales con formación de colecciones, así como irrupción a sistema intestinal con posterior migración del mismo con presentación de sintomatología a este nivel. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con nula sintomatología abdominal y migración del catéter distal hacia el recto.

Abstract Hydrocephalus is a common nosological entity, with ventricular shunting towards any cavity as the treatment of choice in many cases. Among the most frequent complications, we have the abdominal ones with the formation of collections, as well as irruption to the intestinal system with subsequent migration of the same with presentation of symptoms at this level. We present the case of a patient with no abdominal symptoms and migration of the distal catheter towards the rectum.

Evidence for increased intraabdominal pressure as a cause of recurrent migration of the distal catheter of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is an effective treatment for several disorders of cerebrospinal fluid flow. A rare complication involves postoperative migration of the distal catheter out of the intraperitoneal compartment and into the subcutaneous space. Several theories attempt to explain this phenomenon, but the mechanism remains unclear. OBSERVATIONS: The authors report the case of a 37-year-old nonobese woman who underwent placement of a VP shunt for idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Postoperatively, the distal catheter of the VP shunt migrated into the subcutaneous space on three occasions despite the use of multiple surgical techniques, including open and laparoscopic methods of abdominal catheter placement. Notably, the patient repeatedly displayed radiographic evidence of chronic bowel distention consistent with increased intraperitoneal pressure. LESSONS: In this case, the mechanism of catheter migration into the subcutaneous space did not appear to be caused by pulling of the catheter from above but rather by expulsion of the catheter from the peritoneum. Space in the subcutaneous tissues caused by open surgical placement of the catheter was permissive for this process. Patients with chronic increased intraabdominal pressure, such as that caused by bowel distention, obesity, or Valsalva maneuvers, may be at increased risk for distal catheter migration.

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

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.

Early Anal Protrusion of Distal Ventriculoperitoneal Catheter Due to Iatrogenic Colonic Perforation: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt is one of the most commonly used therapeutic methods for hydrocephalus. And the incidence across the world of VP shunt complications varies from 20% to 45%. One of the rare complications is the catheter perforation of the abdominal viscera and its extrusion through the anal cavity. For the first time in the literature, this report addresses the presentation of iatrogenic perforation of the colon while inserting the peritoneal catheter of VP shunt. Here, we present the case of a 15-year-old boy who is known to have cerebral palsy and congenital hydrocephalus with a VP shunt since birth. He presented to the ER with a history of headache and episodes of vomiting and was diagnosed with VP shunt dysfunction. The patient was taken for an emergency operation for shunt revision and a new shunt was placed. Then the next day he developed signs and symptoms of peritonitis with the distal part of the catheter protruding from the anal cavity, the patient was taken to the operating room for an exploratory laparotomy, the distal catheter was removed and replaced with external ventricular drainage, intra-operatively it was shown that the catheter was inserted directly into the colon causing bowel perforation, This report raises important questions about the nature of VP shunt bowel perforation and discusses management options.

Disappearance of a Distal Shunt Catheter: A Case Report of an Unusual Cause of Shunt Malfunction.

Shunt malfunction is a common complication in patients who undergo ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement for the treatment of hydrocephalus. A plethora of reports regarding shunt malfunctions due to distal catheter migration have been demonstrated in the literature. However, to our knowledge, there have been no reports thus far of shunt malfunctions caused by the complete disappearance of a distal catheter. A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for progressive gait disturbance beginning approximately 5 months ago. He received a VPS for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and was doing well over the course of 18 months of follow-up. Since no increase in the size of the ventricle was observed on brain computed tomography taken at the outpatient clinic, we tried to readjust the pressure setting of his programmable shunt valve to relieve his symptoms. Without any progression, we discovered later by chance that the distal shunt catheter was missing. Shunt revision surgery was performed. At the 2-year follow-up, a slight improvement in gait was observed. Although it is very rare, the distal catheter can disappear without any noticeable symptoms. If shunt malfunction is suspected, it is important to check whether the entire shunt system is structurally intact.

Distal catheter lengthening in pediatric patients with hydrocephalus using a guidewire-assisted technique.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the lengthening or replacement of the peritoneal catheter in a ventriculoperitoneal shunt by using a simple guidewire-assisted technique. Here we report on our experience with this methodology, its indications, caveats, and contraindications. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in 59 consecutively shunted children who required elective lengthening of the peritoneal catheter (25 females and 34 males, mean 10.5 + 4.2 years). The procedure required an incision of only 1 cm over the distal catheter. The catheter was sectioned, and a soft hydrophilic guidewire was inserted into the exposed end of it, which serves as a route for the guidewire to reach the intraperitoneal space. The procedure was followed by the replacement of the patient's catheter with one with additional length as considered appropriate, prior to putting additional slots in the last 5 to 8 cm of the new catheter. RESULTS: The technique was used in 62 CSF shunts (3 patients had a double derivative system). Fifty-five of the 62 (89%) procedures performed were effective. A conventional peritoneal opening technique was used in the 7 unsuccessful attempts. One patient presented a migration of the abdominal catheter during the first days after surgery. No incident of peritoneal perforation was associated with this technique, nor were any infections or other early or late complications associated with this surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: The technique we propose permits the peritoneal catheter of a derivative system to be lengthened or replaced in a manner that is simple, fast, and safe.

Clinical study of two-trocar laparoscopy-assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunt in the treatment of hydrocephalus / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective • To compare the clinical outcomes between two-trocar laparoscopy-assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunt (LAVPS) and conventional open ventriculoperitoneal shunt (OVPS), and explore the clinical practice and experience of the placement of distal catheter in two-trocar LAVPS. Methods • A total of 308 patients with hydrocephalus who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) from January 2016 to December 2018 in the Department of Neurosurgery at Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, there were 90 patients in the LAVPS group (Group L), and the two-trocar method and the original suture loop method were adopted to place the distal catheter in the right hepato-diaphragmatic space. For the other 218 patients in the conventional OVPS group (Group O), the laparotomy approach was adopted to put the distal catheter into the left lower abdominal cavity through the midline incision. The operation time and complications of the distal catheter between the two groups were compared. Results • Compared with Group O, the mean operation time was significantly reduced in Group L (54 min vs 90 min, P=0.000), and the incidence of distal catheter complications was also significantly decreased (0 vs 9.6%, P=0.002). In Group L, only one case of visceral injury, one case of distal catheter migration and one case of proximal catheter obstruction occurred. The incidences of infection and obstruction of the distal catheters were 0 in Group L, significantly lower than those in Group O (0 vs 4.6%, P=0.039; 0 vs 5.0%, P=0.030). In Group O, 10 cases of distal catheter infection, 11 cases of obstruction, 4 cases of visceral injury and 2 cases of incisional hernia occurred. Conclusion • The modified two-trocar LAVPS, of which the distal catheter was guided by a suture loop method and placed in the right hepato-diaphragmatic space, is a safe, economical and simple surgical procedure that is more effective in treating hydrocephalus of various origins than conventional OVPS.

Migration of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt catheter into a back incision of a patient with previous spinal fusion.

INTRODUCTION: This case examines a unique, longitudinal presentation of an abandoned, migrating VP shunt which presents as multiple complications, including a weeping abscess in the patients back. We believe that the latter complication was potentially caused by the wound from the patient's previous history of spinal fusion surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient presents with an associated type 2 Chiari malformation, hydrocephalus, and a previous history of posterior spinal fusion (T4-L5 anterior fusion and T2-L5 posterior fusion) at age 11. The patient had undergone shunt revisions in early adolescence as well. At 22, the patient is admitted into emergency care due to recurrent infections caused by a migrating VP shunt. Due to complications in corrective surgery at the time, the shunt was forced to be abandoned. This resulted in the most recent presentation of a weeping abscess at the patient's spinal fusion surgery wound; the culprit was the abandoned, migrating VP shunt.. MANAGEMENT/OUTCOME: An initial course of broad-spectrum antibiotics was started. However, the abscess continued to recur. Eventually, the catheter was surgically removed, a tailored antibiotic regiment was started, and a 6-month patient follow-up was performed. The patient is no longer symptomatic and off of antibiotics. DISCUSSION: In abandoned VP shunts, migration into a non-sterile cavity dictates prompt removal, especially after symptoms of infection present. Additionally, careful monitoring for signs of peritonitis or other symptoms for a dedicated period of time is necessary. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first case of an occult shunt migration through the patient's back that presented with a weeping abscess.

T-Connector Modification for Reducing Recurrent Distal Shunt Failure: Report of 2 Cases.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Cerebrospinal fluid shunt placement is used to treat the various causes of hydrocephalus by redirecting the cerebrospinal fluid to the body, most commonly from the ventricle to the peritoneum. Distal catheter displacement from the peritoneal cavity can occur as a complication, necessitating reoperation. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We report 2 such cases in obese patients involving retropulsion of the distal tubing. To address this complication, we implanted a T-connector to the distal catheter construct. CONCLUSION: This study supports the use of a T-connector catheter construct to decrease and prevent the possibility of distal peritoneal catheter retropulsion in cases of elevated intra-abdominal pressure, both prophylactically and in revisions.

Enterocutaneous fistula in the setting of ventriculoperitoneal shunt extrusion through the skin and perforation through the small bowel.

The authors report a case of a 2-year-old boy with postinfectious hydrocephalus, managed with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt and complicated by shunt extrusion through the cranial skin. The shunt was removed due to concern for infection, and the child was found to have an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) communicating along the shunt track between the small bowel and a clavicular sinus. Self-closure of the ECF was anticipated. Thus, the fistula was managed expectantly with dressing changes of the clavicular sinus, while the patient's malnutrition was managed in accordance with World Health Organization protocols. The presentation, prognosis and management of ECFs, including the likelihood of self-resolution and the role of expectant management, are discussed. Additionally, proposed mechanisms of ECF formation in the setting of a VP shunt are discussed, with an emphasis on the roles of infection and malnutrition.

Upward migration of a peritoneal catheter following ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

We present an unusual case of peritoneal catheter migration following a ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation. A 7-month-old infant, who had suffered from intraventricular hemorrhage at birth, was shunted for progressive hydrocephalus. The peritoneal catheter, connected to an 'ultra small, low pressure valve system' (Strata®; PS Medical,Gola, CA, USA) at the subgaleal space, was placed into the peritoneal cavity about 30 cm in length. The patient returned to our hospital due to scalp swelling 21 days after the surgery. Simple X-ray images revealed total upward migration and coiling of the peritoneal catheter around the valve. Possible mechanisms leading to proximal upward migration of a peritoneal catheter are discussed.

Upward Migration of a Peritoneal Catheter Following Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

We present an unusual case of peritoneal catheter migration following a ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation. A 7-month-old infant, who had suffered from intraventricular hemorrhage at birth, was shunted for progressive hydrocephalus. The peritoneal catheter, connected to an 'ultra small, low pressure valve system' (Strata(R); PS Medical,Gola, CA, USA) at the subgaleal space, was placed into the peritoneal cavity about 30 cm in length. The patient returned to our hospital due to scalp swelling 21 days after the surgery. Simple X-ray images revealed total upward migration and coiling of the peritoneal catheter around the valve. Possible mechanisms leading to proximal upward migration of a peritoneal catheter are discussed.

Endovascular intervention for repositioning the distal catheter of ventriculo-atrial shunt.

Displacement of distal ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunt is not uncommon. However, misplacement of the distal catheter of VA shunt in the internal jugular vein is a possibility, especially when conducted without intraoperative monitoring. We describe a patient in whom a VA shunt was performed due to failure of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and the distal catheter of the shunt was found to be misplaced in the left internal jugular vein. Endovascular intervention via femoral vein was used to retrieve the distal catheter.

Endovascular Intervention for Repositioning the Distal Catheter of Ventriculo-Atrial Shunt / 신경중재치료의학

Displacement of distal ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunt is not uncommon. However, misplacement of the distal catheter of VA shunt in the internal jugular vein is a possibility, especially when conducted without intraoperative monitoring. We describe a patient in whom a VA shunt was performed due to failure of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and the distal catheter of the shunt was found to be misplaced in the left internal jugular vein. Endovascular intervention via femoral vein was used to retrieve the distal catheter.

Upward migration of distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter into the heart: case report.

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is commonly and effectively used to treat hydrocephalus. Intracardiac migration of the shunt catheter is a rare complication. A 68-year-old woman underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage due to anterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture. Two weeks after the shunt surgery, she had suffered from the abdominal pain. Plain chest x-rays, computed tomography, and echocardiography revealed the distal catheter which was in the right ventricle of the heart. We tried to remove the catheter through the internal jugular vein by fluoroscopic guidance. But, the distal catheter was kinked and knotted; therefore, we failed to withdraw the catheter. After then, we punctured the right femoral vein and pulled down the multi-knotted shunt catheter to the femoral vein using the snare catheter. Finally, we removed the knotted distal catheter via the femoral vein and a new distal catheter was placed into the peritoneal cavity. We report a case in which the distal catheter of the VP shunt migrated into the heart via the internal jugular vein. We emphasize the importance of careful and proper placement of the distal catheter during the tunneling procedure to prevent life-threatening complications.

Efficacy of Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt : Analysis of Data in 102 Consecutive Patients / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study compare outcomes in patients with laparoscopic guided ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement with the nonlaparoscopic approach (conventional mini-laparotomy technique) in patients with hydrocephalus. METHODS: The study enrolled 102 adult patients who had undergone surgery between August 2005 and May 2008 for the treatment of hydrocephalus at our department. Seventy-six patients (38 men and 38 women) received laparoscopy-assisted distal catheter placement, and 26 patients (14 men and 12 women) received shunt surgery by a conventional mini-laparotomy approach. The median follow-up period of the non-laparoscopic group was 26 months (14-33 months) and laparoscopic group was 12 months (1-30 months). We analyzed age, sex, cause of hydrocephalus, type of shunt valve, operation time, shunt infection rate, and shunt distal catheter malfunction during follow-up. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, cause of hydrocephalus, or type of shunt valve. Shunt infections were observed in 10 cases (13.2%) in the laparoscopic group and in 4 cases (15.4%) in the mini-laparotomy group, which was not statistically significant. Distal shunt malfunction rates were significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (1.3%) compared to the mini-laparotomy group (11.5%, P<0.05). The mean operation time was also shorter in the laparoscopic group (108 min, 45-190 min) than of the mini-laparotomy group (146 min, 75-255 min, P<0.005). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic guided placement of the VP shunt in hydrocephalus patients reduces shunt distal catheter malfunction and operation time.

Upward Migration of Distal Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter into the Heart : Case Report

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is commonly and effectively used to treat hydrocephalus. Intracardiac migration of the shunt catheter is a rare complication. A 68-year-old woman underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage due to anterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture. Two weeks after the shunt surgery, she had suffered from the abdominal pain. Plain chest x-rays, computed tomography, and echocardiography revealed the distal catheter which was in the right ventricle of the heart. We tried to remove the catheter through the internal jugular vein by fluoroscopic guidance. But, the distal catheter was kinked and knotted; therefore, we failed to withdraw the catheter. After then, we punctured the right femoral vein and pulled down the multi-knotted shunt catheter to the femoral vein using the snare catheter. Finally, we removed the knotted distal catheter via the femoral vein and a new distal catheter was placed into the peritoneal cavity. We report a case in which the distal catheter of the VP shunt migrated into the heart via the internal jugular vein. We emphasize the importance of careful and proper placement of the distal catheter during the tunneling procedure to prevent life-threatening complications.

A Parkinsonism as a Component of Sylvian Aqueduct Syndrome: Effect of Floating Cranioplasty and Distal Catheter Elongation

The sylvian aqueduct syndrome is a global rostral midbrain dysfunction induced by a transtentorial pressure gradient through the aquaeductus. Several months after ventriculoperitoneal shunt, a patient with hydrocephalus began experiencing a constellation of midbrain dysfunction symptoms, including bradykinesia, medial longitudinal fasciculus syndrome, third nerve palsy, and mutism. These were indicative of cerebral aqueduct syndrome. In addition, the patient showed posture-dependent underdrainage or overdrainage. All symptoms were resolved after distal catheter elongation and floating cranioplasty. We present a case of reversible parkinsonism, which developed in a patient with shunted hydrocephalus and aqueductal stenosis, and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of the sylvian aqueduct syndrome. We also review the literature to address problems of drainage and potential treatment modalities.