Gastric perforation due to ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.
Gastric perforation is a complication that can arise from ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunting. Careful examination of a newborn girl admitted to our department revealed several neurological problems. A VP shunt was inserted under direct visualization, leaving 20 cm of the catheter in the peritoneal cavity. The infant was discharged 6 days after surgery and readmitted 4 months later due to increasing head circumference and severe malnutrition. Physical examination revealed a soft abdomen, normal peristalsis, and no signs of peritoneal irritation. The patient was submitted to exploratory surgery, which showed that the catheter had penetrated about 6 cm into the stomach. The VP shunt was removed and replaced by a left ventriculo-atrial system. The patient evolved well and was discharged 5 days later. Probable causes of the perforation are discussed in this paper.
Alonso-Vanegas
M
M
Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology, Hospital Juárez de México, México.
Alvarez
J L
JL
Delgado
L
L
Mendizabal
R
R
Jiménez
J L
JL
Sanchez-Cabrera
J M
JM
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D013270:Stomach / Q000293:injuries*; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / Q000009:adverse effects*