The Complication of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: Delayed Ileus Perforation in Old Age and Literature Review

, Han Kim; , Seong Yeol Ahn; , Heui Seung Lee; , Won Huh

Case Report

Journal of Korean Society of Geriatric Neurosurgery 2017;13(2):125-130.
Published online September 30, 2017.

The Complication of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: Delayed Ileus Perforation in Old Age and Literature Review

Han Kim , Seong Yeol Ahn , Heui Seung Lee , Won Huh

Department of Neurosurgery, Myungji Hospital, Goyang, Korea

뇌실-복강 단락술

김 한·안성렬·이희성·허 원

명지병원 신경외과

Abstract

Ventriculiperitoneal shunt (VPS) is the most reliable treatment for hydrocephalus. Delayed bowel perforation after VPS is a rare complication that is known to occur at a relatively young age. We report a case of delayed intestinal perforation with almost no symptoms in a 82-year-old woman who had undergone VPS 11 years ago. The perforated VPS was removed by laparoscopy at the intestinal perforation site. Early diagnosis is important because intestinal perforation without specific symptoms can progress to ventriculitis and peritonitis when diagnosis is missed. We reviewed the etiology, characteristics, and treatment of delayed perforation after VPS through English literature analysis.

Key Words: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt, Hydrocephalus, Bowel perforation, old age, Peritoneal catheter