title: Shunt dysfunction and constipation: could there be a link?
abstract: A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the treatment of choice for hydrocephalus, functioning by means of a pressure differential between the ventricular system and peritoneal cavity. Constipation is frequently a concomitant problem in children with VP shunts. A case study is reported in which signs and symptoms of shunt dysfunction appear to have developed as a result of constipation. Nurses and physicians must address the need for preventing constipation much more aggressively in the population requiring shunts.
authors.affiliation: Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Bragg
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Edwards-Beckett
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Eckle
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Principe
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Terry
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003248:Constipation / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D009325:Nausea / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology*