Gastrointestinal Complications after Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt for Pediatric Hydrocephalus: A Case Report and Literature Review

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery is a common procedure for pediatric hydrocephalus, which can lead to gastrointestinal complications such as catheter blockage, shunt infection, and distal catheter extrusion.Current problems include blockage, dysfunction, malposition, or catheter and valve infection, resulting in recurrent admissions to hospitals.Risk factors include hydrocephalus type, age, male sex, and socioeconomic status.The incidence of abdominal problems following VPS ranges between 5% and 47%, with the GI tract corresponding to the vast majority of the abdominal cavity problems.The pediatric population is more prone to these problems due to thinner bowels and more dynamic peristalsis.A case report from the Mohamed VI University Hospital Center in Marrakech evaluated the impact of VPS on the gastrointestinal tract and to determine severity of these effects even with doses less alarming than normally seem necessary.Problems in the upper GI tract involvement from the mouth cavity to stomach but lower problems belong to both small and large intestine as well as rectum and anus.VPS perforations often occur in the colon, leading to complications such as cerebral subdural abscesses, colon obstruction, abdominal distension, and bilious vomiting.Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as the most common pathogen found is Escherichia coli.Treatment includes surgery, antibiotic therapy, and laparoscopy.Children often develop transanal protrusion due to tube migration and bowel perforations.Despite the rarity of the condition, practitioners should be aware of potential issues in the gastrointestinal system and ensure early diagnosis and treatment.