Transoral Protrusion of a Ventriculoperitoneal Catheter Caused by Jejunal Perforation in an Adult: Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature

World Neurosurg. 2020 May:137:200-205. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.02.009. Epub 2020 Feb 10.

Abstract

Background: Although several complications after ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) have been reported, transoral protrusion of a peritoneal catheter is a rare event. In the few reported cases from the literature, it is more common in pediatric patients. This case report describes the first adult in the literature with a transoral VPS protrusion after jejunal perforation.

Case description: A 58-year-old man with posttraumatic hydrocephalus was noted with the distal tubing of the VPS protruding from his mouth after he vomited. Radiologic imaging showed jejunal perforation of the distal part of the VPS. The VPS was initially externalized, and then removed. The patient remained stable.

Conclusions: We present a rare case of transoral protrusion of a peritoneal catheter 11 months after a VPS procedure and review of the literature through this article.

Keywords: Bowel perforation; Complications; Hydrocephalus; Transoral extrusion; Ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Conservative Treatment*
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / complications
  • Device Removal*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery*
  • Intestinal Perforation / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intestinal Perforation / therapy
  • Jejunum*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Prosthesis Failure*
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt*
  • Vomiting