Intra-abdominal cystic lesions after ventriculoperitoneal shunting

Abstract

Objectives: Definitive diagnosis is essential for the medical and surgical management of pediatric patients with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. In patients with a VP shunt, abdominal complications have been well described, among which abdominal pseudo cysts are uncommon. In this report, we present our experience in terms of the multi-disciplinary management of intra-abdominal cystic lesions associated with the VP shunt procedure. Methods: From 2016 to 2021, 245 VP shunt procedures were performed in our institution. Intra-abdominal cystic lesions were recorded as intra-abdominal complications (abdominal pseudocyst, intestinal subserosal bowel cyst, and scrotal cyst) in 3 patients. For these patients we retrospectively collected data on medical history, complaints, diagnosis, treatment procedure, and postoperative results. The study was performed on 2 male and 1 female patients. The average patient age was 11.6 months (5 months to 1.5 years). The most common complaint was that of abdominal distention with ileus symptoms. The average time of admission after the catheterization of VP shunt was 1 month; laparotomy was performed for 2 patients in whom treatment was needed for high ligation. Results: A VP shunt operation is followed by abdominal complications in about 5%-47% of all cases. These complications are manifested as ileus symptoms, such as vomiting, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain with intestinal obstruction. Conclusions: In pediatric patients with VP shunts, a shunt catheter-induced abdominal cystic formation should always be considered a complication. Management of these cystic lesions requires the use of a multi-disciplinary approach with neurosurgery and pediatric surgery for treatment.