Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt trans-anal protrusion causing Escherichia coli ventriculitis in child: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Ventriculo-peritoneal shunting is an effective treatment for hydrocephalus, bowel perforation by peritoneal catheters is an extremely rare complications associated with this procedure. Case presentation: We report a 9-year-old girl who had anal VP shunt protrusion two months following surgery and review the literature to understand the diagnosis and treatment for this rare complication. A PubMed search using the keywords 'bowel perforation' and 'Escherichia coli ventriculitis' was performed and citations were reviewed. Conclusions: Neurosurgeons should be alert to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this condition to prevent infectious and neurological complications.