Combined ventriculoperitoneal shunt blockage, viscus perforation and migration into urethra, presenting with repeated urinary tract infection

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2011 Oct;93(7):e151-3. doi: 10.1308/147870811X602212.

Abstract

We present an extremely rare case of delayed and combined ventriculoperitoneal shunt blockage, viscus perforation and migration into the urethra manifested by a repeated urinary tract infection. This was discovered six months after the shunt was inserted. Although there were various other transient symptoms, the patient did not show obvious peritoneal signs. This complication could have been lethal if the discovery had been delayed. One of the best ways of preventing such migration is possibly the use of a softer catheter. However, making sure of appropriate redundancy for the abdominal part of the catheter may be of equal importance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Foreign-Body Migration / complications*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Urethra*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / etiology*
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt*
  • Viscera