Recurrent perforations of viscus due to ventriculoperitoneal shunt in a hydrocephalic child.

In this report, we describe the first case of recurrent perforations of viscus due to ventriculoperitoneal shunt for the treatment of hydrocephalus. Based on our own experience and a survey of literature, we suggest that perforation of the gastrointestinal tract should be suspected in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt, particularly when abdominal symptoms or ventriculitis are presented. To manage this complication, at the first perforation in the present case, a fibrin sealant was effective for closure of the perforated stomach wall. At the second perforation, when laparotomy was performed, we could not find any abnormality in the abdominal cavity except for a sheath and slight omental adhesions near it.