A Rare Complication of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: Asymptomatic Small Bowel Perforation

Abstract

A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a standard treatment option for the treatment of hydrocephalus. Small bowel perforation is a rare complication of VP shunt placement. We describe a case and image findings of a 15-year-old male with VP shunt who had an asymptomatic small bowel perforation. He had a history of constipation and occasional abdominal pain. The imaging findings were confirmed surgically. The results of abdominal complications of VP shunts are excellent when diagnosed and treated early. Mortality and morbidity decrease significantly with early diagnosis and treatment, especially in asymptomatic bowel perforations. We also provide an overview of the current literature discussing previously reported cases, clinical features, and treatment.

Keywords

• small bowel perforation
• vp shunt surgery
• vp shunt complications