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Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt surgery

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VP shunt surgery is a surgical procedure that is primarily done for the condition known as hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) gets collected in the brain’s ventricles. CSF fluid cushions the brain and protects it from any kind of injury inside the skull. . During hydrocephalus VP brain shunt surgery neurosurgeon places a tube inside brain ventricles to divert the excess fluid away from the brain thereby decreasing the intracranial pressure.

Conditions leading to a shunt surgery

Excess fluid can build up in the brain due to several reasons which may include-
  • Overproduction of CSF
  • Poor absorption of CSF by the blood vessels
  • Blockages preventing fluid from flowing throughout the brain
Cysts, tumors, or inflammation in the brain can interfere with the normal flow of CSF and can lead to unsafe fluid accumulation.
Imaging tests such as Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans can be done to confirm the diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Imaging tests will help the doctor to view the cavities and tissues within the brain.

Steps of the Procedure:

VP shunt is done under general anesthesia and the procedure usually takes around an hour to complete. After cleaning the operative site with an antiseptic solution, the surgeon places a skin incision and drills a hole in the head. The shunt tube is then inserted and tunneled under the skin to be inserted into the abdominal cavity. After the tube is placed inside the abdominal cavity, the skin is closed. The shunt tube always has a valve at the beginning of the tube and can even be felt under the skin in the head just below the hole. The valve sometimes is programmable depending on the device chosen by your surgeon. The valve controls the flow of the CSF and helps preventing excessive drainage of the CSF.

Risks of shunt surgery

The placement of a shunt is a safe procedure but complications can arise during or after the surgery.
The risks and complications with Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery may include-
  • Infection in the shunt or brain
  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Shunt blockage
  • Shunt migration
  • Shunt breakage
  • Swelling of the brain
Over-drainage occurs when CSF drains from brain ventricles at a faster rate. This can be prevented by placing a programmable shunt valve. 

Recovery after the shunt surgery

The recovery from the Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery usually takes 1-2 days. Most people are advised to leave the hospital within 2 days after the surgery. During your hospital stay, your blood pressure and heart rate will be constantly monitored, and will be advised to take short course of antibiotics. Sometimes, a CT head is done to confirm the placement of the shunt in the desired position.

Get a Second opinion  now if you have advised to undergo a shunt surgery from an experienced Neurosurgeon in Dubai for VP shunt.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a surgically implanted drainage system that diverts excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain’s ventricles to the abdominal cavity, where it is absorbed by the body. It consists of a ventricular catheter, a pressure-regulating valve, and a peritoneal catheter.

Signs of shunt failure include return of headaches, nausea, vomiting, vision changes, cognitive decline, and drowsinesssimilar to pre-surgery hydrocephalus symptoms. Shunt failure is a medical emergency. If you experience these symptoms after VP shunt surgery, go to the emergency department immediately for evaluation.

VP shunts can function for many years, but they may require revision or replacement due to blockage, infection, or mechanical failure. Children often need shunt revisions as they grow. Adults with properly functioning shunts may not require revision for many years. Regular neurosurgical follow-up is essential to monitor shunt function.

Dr. Arun Rajeswaran

Consult Dr. Arun with a professional experience of more than 13 years in the field of Neurosurgery

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Department of Neurosurgery - Zulekha Hospital, First Floor - Block B - 204th Rd, Al Nahda - Al Nahda 2 - Dubai

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