Unusual migration of VP 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.