Dear Editor,
A ten-month male infant referred at emergency room with enlargement and fluid accumulation in right scrotum without any history of epididymitis or orchitis. Patient had a history of V-P shunt surgery two months earlier. At physical examination, no sign of hydrocephalus or fever was detected. However, a hard substance could be palpated at scrotum. Ultrasonography detected CSF hydrocele with echogenic tip of peritoneal catheter in right scrotum passing through inguinal canal without any sign of intestinal hernia. Radiologic assessment indicated radio-opaque catheter at pelvic area (Figure 1). CSF analysis detected no bacteria and the CSF profile, CBC and urine analyses were normal. The patient underwent direct repair of patent processus vaginalis and repositioning of catheter into peritoneum. Hydrocele improved at early postoperative period and the 6 months follow up outcome was excellent.
Figure 1.
X-ray of peritoneal catheter displacement into scrotum through inguinal canal; red pointer indicates opaque peritoneal catheter.
A total of 30 cases of peritoneal shunt displacement into scrotum are reported in literature (1); their pattern follows the time course of patent processus vaginalis (PPV) which remains patent up to 60% of neonates during the first year of life (1, 2). The residual peritoneal cavity correlates with body surface, therefore younger pediatric patients have a higher tendency to have V-P shunt distal catheter migrate into the scrotum due to patent processus vaginalis and smaller peritoneal cavity (3).
The most suggested and acceptable treatment for such pediatric cases is direct repair of PPV and ligation of the sac, since increased CSF pressure prevents spontaneous occlusion of PPV (2-5). Some even suggest assessment and prophylactic repair of the other side, when applicable. Early and accurate intervention could prevent further complications and make significant improvements. Laparoscopic approach has been shown to be associated with a lower rate of malposition, distal obstruction and distal shunt failure (2, 6, 7).
