Subcutaneous reaction to silicone in ventriculoperitoneal shunts

Abstract

✓Silicone tubing (Silastic) used for ventriculoperitoneal shunts induces a fibrous connective tissue sheath around the tubing in children and adults. Two children examined 8 and 3 years after subcutaneous implantation showed a complete tube of dense fibrous connective tissue around the silicone tubing. The reaction was entirely quiescent. These tubes of connective tissue were apparently capable of conveying cerebrospinal fluid for some months after the silicone tubing was disconnected from the pump or pulled out of the abdomen.