Transvaginal Migration of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts in Children: Review of Literature

Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement is the most commonly performed procedure for the treatment of hydrocephalus. The complication of migration of the distal ventriculo-peritoneal shunt is one of the many complications that occur after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement. The migration of the ventriculo-peritoneal shunt through the vagina is infrequently reported in children. The aim of this review is to help all the providers caring for children with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts to identify issues early when encountered with this complication and thus limit morbidity and mortality. We reviewed all cases of migration of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt through the vagina in children less than 18 years of age that were published in the literature using PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. A total of 11 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review among the 93 articles obtained with title and abstract screening. Previous non-shunt-related abdominal operations and shunt revisions are consistent risk factors in all cases. We did not recognize specific approaches to catheter placement or management that could have prevented this complication. Ventriculitis necessitating shunt removal and therapies requiring additional procedures and prolonged hospitalization are the major consequences identified. Awareness of this unusual complication is very important among health care providers such as emergency care health providers who are likely to be the first to encounter these children on initial presentation.