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. 2024 Oct 27:11:2333794X241291750.
doi: 10.1177/2333794X241291750. eCollection 2024.

Trans-Oral Protrusion of the Distal End of a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: A Case Report of an Unusual Complication

Joseph Y B Nnang  1   2 , Berjo Takoutsing  1 , Lisa Akob  1   3 , Gilbert Yada  1   4 , Geneviève Endalle  1   5 , Mohammed Njoya  1   3 , Yvanah Owoundi  1 , Astel Dongmo  1   4 , Mercy Berinyuy  1   4 , Wunde Njineck  1   3 , Mustafa Semougnal  1   4 , Megan E H Still  1   6 , Ignatius Esene  1   3
Affiliations

Trans-Oral Protrusion of the Distal End of a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: A Case Report of an Unusual Complication

Joseph Y B Nnang et al. Glob Pediatr Health. .

Abstract

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) is the surgical technique of choice to manage pediatric hydrocephalus. Despite having good results, it is prone to complications, some of which are rare. This is the case report of a 2-year-old male, with an uncomplicated VPS done at 6 months of age, presenting with vomiting, irritability, anorexia, and drooling. There was an oral protrusion of a tube dripping clear fluid. Imaging studies demonstrated evidence of gastric perforation with a cephalic migration and transoral protrusion of the distal end of the shunt tubing. A gastroplasty, and immediate revision of the distal shunt were done free of any complications. This case report underlines the importance of recognizing and managing trans-oral protrusion of the distal end of VPS system in a timely manner, and raises awareness of this uncommon complication and its potential influence on patient health and survival, given ventriculitis' high lethality.

Keywords: bowel perforation; case report; hydrocephalus; oral protrusion; ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Photo of a 2-year-old child with a trans-oral protrusion of the distal end of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter (Red arrow).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Head-thoraco-abdominal X-rays showing the ventriculoperitoneal shunt system (Red arrows) and oral migration of the distal shunt catheter (Yellow arrows).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
3-D Head-thoraco-abdominal CT-Scan showing the ventroculoperitoneal shunt system (Red arrows).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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