Abstract PDF Similar Articles Mail to Author

Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Department of Neurosurgery, Ankara, Turkey DOI : 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.2924-10.2 Pneumothorax is a very rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunting in children. We report a case of an iatrogenic bilateral tension pneumothorax during the placement of a subdural-peritoneal shunting. After the placement of peritoneal catheter, oxygen saturation of the patient quickly decreased, hypotension and bradycardia occurred. Intraoperative x-rays showed the pneumothorax. A thoracostomy tube was inserted and attached to an underwater seal. Vital signs improved in a short time period. The radiological improvement had been achieved in four days. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention are life-saving for this complication. To avoid this complication, the tip of the shunt tunneler should be always palpable during the placement of the peritoneal catheter, especially in children's shunt surgery. Keywords : Pneumothorax, Subdural-peritoneal shunt, Complication