CSF hydrocele--unusual complication of V-P shunt

Treatment Options for Scrotal Migration of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts: Case Illustration and Systematic Review of 48 Cases

BACKGROUND

Scrotal migration of intact or disconnected tubing is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. While some illustrative case reports can be found in the literature, a systematic review on treatment options is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To propose the first literature-based treatment algorithm on scrotal shunt migration.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search using the keywords: "VP," "ventriculoperitoneal," "shunt," and "scrotum." We identified 36 publications with 48 cases reported including our index case.

RESULTS

Median age at presentation was 13.5 mo (3 d to 65 yr) which was 4 mo (3 d to 72 mo) after last shunt-related surgery. All patients had scrotal swelling, 39 (81%) patients presented without other symptoms, 4 (8%) had additionally local pain, and 4 (8%) patients presented with symptoms of shunt dysfunction. Treatment was surgically in all but one case where spontaneous resolution without repeat migration occurred. In 3 of 4 patients who had either subcutaneous shortening or abdominal repositioning of the shunt without hernia repair, scrotal shunt migration recurred within the following month. Whereas the surgical treatment with reposition of the migrated catheter back into the peritoneal cavity via a groin incision plus hernia repair yielded a definite treatment in all 26 performed cases, the revision rate was significantly higher in the shunt revision without hernia repair cohort (P = .0009).

CONCLUSION

Scrotal shunt migration is a rare shunt complication with good recovery when treated surgically. We recommend hernia repair in addition to either manual or surgical repositioning of migrated tubing.

Extrusion of Anterior Abdominal Wall by a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt - An Uncommon Complication: Case Report and Literature Review

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP-shunt) is a commonly performed procedure for the management of hydrocephalus. Migration of the distal end of VP-shunt is one of the rarest complications. The authors report a case of an 11-year-old boy who presented with a spontaneous extrusion of the distal end of the VP-shunt through an intact abdominal wall. Literature was reviewed regarding the possible causes of such complication and the management approach in similar cases. The suggested phenomenon for this case could be attributed to the continuous hammer effect of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsations on the abdominal wall. It is important to assess the future need for long-term CSF diversion, as in this case, the patient did not require reinsertion of a new shunt system because he was shunt independent.

Choroid Plexus Hyperplasia with Intractable Ascites and a Resulting Communicating Hydrocele following Shunt Operation for Hydrocephalus

Choroid plexus hyperplasia/papilloma and resulting hyperproduction of cerebrospinal fluid is a rare cause of hydrocephalus. In these patients, intractable ascites can occur after a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting operation. However, shunt-related hydrocele is a rare complication of VP shunting. Previous reports have indicated catheter-tip migration to the scrotum as a cause of hydrocele. Here, we present the first documented case of choroid plexus hyperplasia that led to intractable ascites after shunting and a resulting hydrocele without catheter-tip migration into the scrotum.

Classifying Hydroceles of the Pelvis and Groin: An Overview of Etiology, Secondary Complications, Evaluation, and Management

INTRODUCTION

A hydrocele is defined as the pathological buildup of serous fluid in the pelvis and groin due to various etiologies such as diseases or trauma. It has distinct clinical manifestations, particularly discomfort and psychosocial distress. Understanding the anatomy, embryology, and physiology associated with hydrocele formation is crucial to understand its onset and progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A MEDLINE^® search was conducted using keywords for the relevant classification of hydrocele and its etiology, complications, sexual barriers, evaluation, and management.

RESULTS

Appropriately classifying the hydrocele as primary, secondary communicating, secondary noncommunicating, microbe-induced, inflammatory, iatrogenic, trauma-induced, tumor-induced, canal of Nuck, congenital, and giant is important for identifying the underlying etiology. Often this process is overlooked when the classification or etiology is too rare. A focused evaluation is important for this, so that timely management can be provided. We comprehensively review the classifications, etiology, and secondary complications of hydrocele. Pitfalls of current diagnostic techniques are explored along with recommended methods for accurate diagnosis and current treatment options.

CONCLUSION

Due to the range of classifications and etiologies of hydrocele in the pelvis and groin, a deliberate differential diagnosis is essential to avoiding imminent life-threatening complications as well as providing the appropriate treatment.

Rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Early onset of distal catheter migration into scrotum in an adult male: Case report and literature review

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Cases of scrotal migration of distal catheter in adults are rare.

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There have been no reports for scrotal migration in adults at an early onset.

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Early detection of migration of distal catheter prevents shunt malfunction.

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Prompt surgical management of catheter repositioning is recommended.

Introduction

The role of shunt placement is to divert cerebrospinal fluid from within the ventricles to an alternative location in the setting of hydrocephalus. One of the rare shunt complications is distal catheter migration, and various body sites have been reported, including the scrotum. Although cases of scrotal migration of distal catheter have been reported in pediatric patients, cases in adult patients are rare due to obliterated processus vaginalis. Furthermore, there has not been a case reported for scrotal migration in an adult at an early onset.

Presentation of case

65-year-old male underwent shunt placement for normal-pressure hydrocephalus-like symptoms. On post-operative day seven patient developed right testicular edema, for which ultrasound was performed, revealing hydrocele along with the presence of distal catheter in the scrotum. On post-operative day nine patient underwent distal catheter trimming via laparoscopic approach with general surgery, with post-operative imaging showing satisfactory location of distal catheter in the peritoneal cavity.

Discussion/Conclusion

Early onset of distal catheter migration into scrotum in an adult male is a unique case, as most cases are reported in pediatric patients, and it is the first case reported in the English literature to have occurrence at an early onset during the peri-operative period. As our case demonstrates, early occurrence and detection of scrotal migration of the distal catheter prevent shunt malfunction. Prompt surgical management of catheter repositioning is therefore recommended to avoid the risk of further complications.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt peritoneal catheter knot formation

The ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a common procedure in pediatric neurosurgery that carries a risk of complications at cranial and abdominal sites. We report on the case of a child with shunt infection and malfunction. The peritoneal catheter was tethered within the abdominal cavity, precluding its removal. Subsequently, laparoscopic exploration identified a knot at the distal end of the peritoneal catheter around the omentum. A new VP shunt was inserted after the infection was healed. This type of complication occurs rarely, so there are a limited number of case reports in the literature. This report is complemented by a literature review.

Shunts vs endoscopic third ventriculostomy in infants: are there different types and/or rates of complications? A review

INTRODUCTION

The decision-making process when we compare endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with shunts as surgical options for the treatment of hydrocephalus in infants is conditioned by the incidence of specific and shared complications of the two surgical procedures.

REVIEW

Our literature review shows that the advantages of ETV in terms of complications are almost all related to two factors: (a) the avoidance of a foreign body implantation and (b) the establishment of a 'physiological' cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation. Both these kinds of achievements are particularly important in infants because of the relative high rate of some intraoperative (i.e. abdominal) and late (secondary craniosynostosis, slit-ventricle syndrome) shunt complications in this specific subset of patients. On the other side, the main factor which is claimed against ETV is the relatively high risk of immediate mortality and neurological complications. Clinical manifestations of neurological structure damage seem to be more frequent in infants, probably due to the more relevant effect of parenchymal and vascular damage in this age group; however, both the immediate mortality and neurological damage risk of ETV procedures should be weighted against the long-term mortality and the late neurological damage which is not infrequently described as a consequence of shunt malfunction and proximal shunt revision procedures. Infections are possible in both ETV and extrathecal CSF procedures, especially in infants. However, the incidence of infective complications is significantly lower in case of ETV (1-5% vs 1-20%). Moreover, different from shunting procedures, infections in children with third ventriculostomy have a more benign course, being generally controlled by antibiotic treatment alone.

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Dysfunction in Adults Secondary to Conditions Causing a Transient Increase in Intra-abdominal Pressure: Report of Three Cases

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts function because of the pressure differential between the intracranial space and the peritoneal cavity. The pressure in the peritoneal cavity is the lower of the two in a properly functioning shunt; thus, cerebrospinal fluid flows distally. Although not reported in the literature, adult constipation, ileus, or small bowel obstruction can alter this pressure balance and cause dysfunction. If not recognized as a transient, easily treated phenomenon, patients may be subjected to unnecessary shunt revisions. This study analyzed the occurrence of shunt malfunction in three adults secondary to transient increases in intra-abdominal pressure.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

Three patients with clinical symptoms and radiographic evidence of VP shunt malfunction at presentation were found to have transient conditions causing a significant increase in intra-abdominal pressure. These patients' records were evaluated with an emphasis on risk factors, treatments, and outcomes.

INTERVENTION:

After resolution of the patients' abdominal issues, clinical signs and symptoms of VP shunt dysfunction resolved within 24 hours. Radiographic evidence of the resolution of shunt failure also was observed.

CONCLUSION:

Shunt malfunction or dysfunction consumes many person-hours and healthcare dollars. This study provides anecdotal evidence that transient and easily reversible increases in the intra-abdominal pressure of adults with VP shunts can result in dysfunction. Although it may not be practical to delay shunt revision while attempting to correct constipation, ileus, or small bowel obstruction, clinicians treating patients with these abdominal conditions should be aware that they could cause transient VP shunt failure. It would seem prudent that patients with VP shunts be started on a prophylactic bowel regimen before surgical procedures to decrease the risk of this somewhat preventable result.

E. coli meningitis as an indicator of intestinal perforation by V-P shunt tube

Shunting systems widely used for the treatment of hydrocephalus have been connected with certain risks and potential complications which stem from implanting a non-biological material into the human body. Several complications have been reported to arise from the insertion of ventriculo-peritoneal shunts. This short report highlights the observation that when anaerobic meningitis together with gram negative E. Coli in the CSF of a V-P shunted patient is found, bowel perforation should be assumed. Four cases developed such a complication among 643 hydrocephalic patients of various etiology over a period of ten years.

Ammar shunt: an option to overcome shunt complications in premature and term neonates

It has been hypothesized, and generally accepted, that the final outcome of the treatment of hydrocephalus is to a great extent related to the earliness of intervention and treatment. However, there is special concern regarding the higher risk of infection and shunt malfunctions in neonates as compared with older infants. Therefore, two new shunt systems have been designed specifically to tip the balance in favor of early shunting. The first shunt is made for premature neonates and the second for neonates in general. The general characteristics of these two shunts are: (1) the entire shunt is a low-pressure valve, with double distal slit valves; (2) the shunts are made of soft silicon material; (3) they are of very small configuration, without any compressing elements which may lead to skin necrosis over the shunt; (4) no metal has been used in them, so they are MRI compatible.

Delayed intrapleural migration of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt

We report a case of delayed intrapleural migration of the peritoneal catheter of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This is an unusual but life-threatening complication of peritoneal shunting for the treatment of hydrocephalus. A method of treatment and abbreviated review of shunt complications is included.

Intraventricular migration of VP shunt

The proximal migration of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt into the ventricles is very rare. Only 5 cases have been previously reported [4, 8, 10, 11]. We believe that this unusual phenomenon has not been well-studied in the literature. We report a case of a 16-month-old baby girl who suffered a shunt malfunction due to complete migration of the VP shunt into the lateral ventricle. This case and the other 5 cases are studied, and a possible cause is hypothesized. The group of patients at risk is also identified and methods of management are reported.