A survey of the first complication of newly implanted CSF shunt devices for the treatment of nontumoral hydrocephalus

Abstract

The results of an international multicenter study concerning the first complication of newly implanted cerebrospinal fluid shunts in nontumoral hydrocephalus are the subject of the present report. The authors have collected information on 773 cases from four continents. In particular, the following data were evaluated in relation to the general incidence of complications recorded in the first follow-up year: the patient's age at the operation, the etiology of hydrocephalus, the type of CSF shunt device used, and the modality of the surgical procedures. The overall complication rate in the series was 29%. Age and etiology of hydrocephalus appear to play a major role in influencing the complication rate; on the other hand, the choice of a specific CSF shunt device seems to be less important in this respect.

Thecoperitoneal Shunt ‘Cast Away’

“…Ever since its introduction, the usage of cerebrospinal fluid shunt hardware has led to complications, so much so that in the early period it was abandond [12][13][14][15][16][17]19] with the development of more user-friendly hardware system. Nowadays shunt systems regained their place in favor, nevertheless, complications, though fewer, persist.…”

“…Thecoperitoneal shunt is a technique of CSF diversion from the lumber peritoneal sac to the peritoneal cavity, although generally a safe procedure, potential complications might happen such: bleeding, nerve irritation, paralysis, infection, post spinal headache, pneumocephalus, acquired Chiari malformation, shunt migration [11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

Bowel Perforatıon at The Delayed Stage After Shunt Surgery: Case Report

“…The delayed stage bowel perforation may result from a chronic inflammatory process. Exact pathogenesis of ventriculoperitoneal shuntrelated organ perforation is unclear and various mechanisms are suggested, such as foreign body reaction, pressure necrosis and poor general condition with weakening of intestinal wall and stiff end of shunt tube causing intestinal perforation [2][3][4][5][6][7][8].…”

“…Previous inflammation and irritation to bowel wall, undergone abdominal surgery, use of sharp, hard tipped and long peritoneal catheters may contribute to perforation [2,3]. Di Rocco et al [8] consider that patient with myelomeningocelle may be at increased risk for bowel perforation. These children may be more susceptible to developing perforation due to a weakness in the bowel wall resulting from deficient innervation.…”

“…Spontoneous bowel perforation by peritoneal catheter is rare. However, this delayed complications may cause fatal ventriculit, meningitis, or sepsis [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Diagnosis of bowel perforation is self-evident when the catheter protrudes thorough the anus.…”