anal extrusion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt in a 14-month-old: a rare complication and management

Background: medulloblastoma of the cerebellum treatment often involves ventriculoperitoneal (vp) shunt placement for associated hydrocephalus. in this study, we report a rare but successfully managed case of vp shunt extrusion through the anus, treated with a single incision technique without requiring a laparotomy or endoscopic intervention. case presentation: in this study, the case was a 14-month-old infant who had undergone cerebellar medulloblastoma surgery at five months of age. the vp shunt was displaced in the keen’s point region, displayed unusual compressibility and distally extruded through the anus. the patient was then hospitalized and underwent surgery. under general anesthesia, a small incision was made behind the right ear, allowing for the removal of the reservoir and proximal cerebral shunt. the protruding part of the shunt was gently pulled out through the anus. a three-week follow-up revealed no complications, supporting the efficacy of this minimally invasive approach. conclusions: in this case report, we described a unique and successful treatment approach involving only a single incision behind the right ear and extrusion of the catheter through the anus. although no complications were observed in our patient, further research into the prevalence, risk factors, and long-term outcomes of similar cases is warranted to refine clinical management strategies.