Laparoscopy for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt tube dislocated into the colon.

INTRODUCTION

Implantation of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a standard procedure for hydrocephalus. Different complications can occur, one of them being migration of the distal end of the tube.

CASE DESCRIPTION: The abdominal end of a VP shunt tube had migrated into the descending colon. In a laparoscopic procedure, the shunt was retrieved, and the colonic perforation site was resected. The patient had a favorable outcome.

DISCUSSION: Laparoscopy can play a key role and is recommended not only to make an exact diagnosis, but also for definite, safe, and trauma-minimizing treatment of intraabdominal VP shunt dysfunction.