Hydrocephalus Shunting Procedures

• Hydrocephalus Treatment
  The brain sets in a fluid called Cerebrospinal fluid, produced in the ventricles of the brain. The abnormal accumulation of this fluid in any specific section of the brain will exert pressure onto that region, causing neurological disorders.
  Because the body continues to over produce the cerebrospinal fluid, the most effective long term solution is to perform a surgery where a tube is inserted in the effected region, continually draining (shunting) the excessive fluid.
• Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement [VP shunt]
  Placement of a tube from the fluid cavity, [ ventricle,] of the brain, passing under the skin to the abdominal cavity,[ peritoneum,] where the fluid can be resorbed.
  This is a detour used to treat obstructions to spinal fluid flow resulting in excessive ventricle size or pressure in the brain known as hydrocephalus.
• Ventriculoatrial shunt placement [VA shunt]
  Similar to VP shunt except the end of the tube is placed in the low pressure side of the heart known as the atrium. This is sometimes used for patients with problems in the peritoneum such as scar tissue.
• Ventriculopleural shunt placement
  This is another alternative shunt procedure with the tube ending in the lung cavity. Spinal fluid can be resorbed in this location.
• Endoscopic third ventriculostomy
  This is a minimally invasive operation to treat hydrocephalus where the surgeon creates an opening between a brain fluid cavity [ ventricle,] to the area outside of the brain where spinal fluid may be resorbed without the need of a tube. The endoscope is a fiberoptic viewing apparatus which permits the surgeon to see and operate through a very small opening.

Hydrocephalus Shunt Surgery Recover

The recovery time after a placement of a shunt varies greatly depending on the procedure as well as the individual patient. It is important for patients to rest sufficiently before returning to work and activates. For more information regarding your expected recover time please make an appointment with one of our neurosurgeons.