Spontaneous extrusion of peritoneal catheter through intact abdominal wall.

A rare occurrence of spontaneous extrusion of a Denver peritoneal catheter through the right flank in a 14-year-old boy is reported. The firm texture and short length of the catheter coupled with its movements with respiration produced a hammer effect and eroded the abdominal wall. Disconnection of the peritoneal catheter from the chamber and pulling out the extruded catheter is suggested as a simple and effective method of removal of the shunt.