Abstract

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are among the most commonly used methods in the treatment of hydrocephalus. One of the rare but serious complications associated with high morbidity and mortality is gastrointestinal perforation. In this study, we present a case of colonic perforation secondary to a VP shunt and discuss it in the light of the literature. In a patient followed in our clinic, the clinical features, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic approaches of colonic perforation as a VP shunt complication were evaluated. In addition, previously reported cases in the literature were reviewed to compare the frequency, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes of this complication. In our case, nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms were predominant, and colonoscopy revealed a peritoneal catheter perforating the colonic lumen. The VP system was removed, colonic repair was performed, and appropriate antibiotic therapy was administered. The patient was discharged without complications. Colonic perforation due to VP shunt is a rare but potentially fatal complication. Because the clinical findings are often nonspecific, diagnostic difficulties may arise. In patients with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms and VP shunts, this complication should be considered, early imaging should be employed, and surgical/medical treatment should be planned promptly. This approach is critical for reducing morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt, colonic perforation, complication, hydrocephalus

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Copyright and license

Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

How to cite

1.
Burak DD, Örnek V, Ergüven M, Gülsever Cİ, Ünal TC, Sabancı PA. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt complication presenting with colonic perforation: a rare case report. Sinir Sistemi Cerrahisi Derg 2025;10(2):79-86. https://doi.org/10.54306/SSCD.2025.218