Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Complications In Children: An Evidence-Based Approach To Emergency Department Management

Although much is known about ventriculoperitoneal shunts, there are still large gaps in the literature and no evidence-based guidelines on management. To date, there is no general consensus on workup and treatment, and there are many differing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for management of complications. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt complications can be separated into 3 categories: mechanical failure, infection, and functional failure. Knowing the basic anatomy of ventriculoperitoneal shunts, the time of shunt placement, and the clinical manifestations suggestive of potential complications can help with the management of patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts. This review summarizes the literature on complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunts, examines the literature regarding the workup and management of patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts, and makes recommendations for the management of these patients in the emergency department.