Abdominal Complications Related to Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement: A Comprehensive Review of Literature

Ever since the shunt device became the gold standard treatment for hydrocephalus, complications due to infections and mechanical problems have increased while lives have been saved. In addition, abdominal complications have become an important issue as the peritoneum is now the main place to insert the distal catheter. The most common complications were abdominal pseudocyst, distal catheter migration, inguinal hernia, catheter disconnection, and intestinal obstruction. The pediatric population is more prone to develop most of these complications due to their rapidly growing body, weaker abdominal musculature, and increased intraabdominal pressure. The goal of this review was to study the main aspects associated with abdominal complications after ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion, including the pathophysiology, epidemiological aspects, as well as the rationale for management and prevention according to the current “state-of-the-art.” It is paramount to recognize the risk factors associated with various types of complications to manage them properly.