Article Text

Download PDFPDF
Huge subcutaneous extraperitoneal pseudocyst after migration of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter

Abstract

The formation of an intraperitoneal pseudocyst as a complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts is well known. However, the formation of a pseudocyst at the subcutaneous extraperitoneal abdominal space is unusual and likely secondary to the migration of the peritoneal catheter. We present a 53-year-old male who had placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus secondary to a vestibular schwannoma. Five months later, he presented with an enormously distended abdomen. Investigations showed the peritoneal catheter in the extraperitoneal space within a large right lower quadrant abdominal wall pseudocyst. The patient was taken to the operating theatre, and the shunt was externalised at the original abdominal incision. Approximately 3 L of cerebrospinal fluid were aspirated from the distal peritoneal catheter. After negative cultures, a new peritoneal catheter was placed intraperitoneally at the contralateral lower abdominal quadrant. The contralateral quadrant was utilised to prevent fluid accumulation into the old extraperitoneal cavity.

  • hydrocephalus
  • gastrointestinal surgery
  • neurosurgery
  • radiology

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.