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Complete migration of peritoneal shunt tubing to the scalp

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Abstract

The entire length of distal tubing from a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was found to have migrated into the subgaleal space, and resulted in a shunt obstruction. Upward migration of distal shunt catheters has rarely been reported, but probably involves patient motion that creates a “windlass” effect. Cephaled migration requires a potential space (subgaleal or ventricular) and no resistance to movement of the tubing. This complication can be prevented by securing the shunt near the site of motion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

    Robert C. Heim

  2. Department of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Place, 63110, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Bruce A. Kaufman & T. S. Park

Authors
  1. Robert C. Heim
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  2. Bruce A. Kaufman
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  3. T. S. Park
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Heim, R.C., Kaufman, B.A. & Park, T.S. Complete migration of peritoneal shunt tubing to the scalp. Child's Nerv Syst 10, 399–400 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335131

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335131

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