What is a ventriculoperitoneal shunt?
Cerebrospinal fluid, a protective layer for the brain and spinal cord, is produced by the tissue in the brain’s ventricles. CSF, which is rich in nutrients, passes through the ventricles and into the brain and spinal cord. When this regular flow is disrupted, it results in hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the ventricles that primarily affects infants and the elderly. In such conditions, a VP shunt is the procedure opted to drain the excess CSF fluid & relieve the pressure in the brain & skull. There are two types of VP shunts: programmable & non-programmable.
| Procedure Name | Ventriculoperitoneal VP Shunt |
|---|---|
| Type of Procedure | Minimally Invasive |
| Type of Anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | 1 hr 30 mins |
| Recovery Duration | Around 6 weeks |
Ventriculoperitoneal VP Shunt: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Preparation: Before the procedure, the healthcare professional reviews your medical history, such as existing implanted heart devices and medication allergies. You may need to stop herbal supplements, over-the-counter medications, or blood thinners that could interfere with the procedure. Fasting for a few hours beforehand may also be required.
During the Procedure: Before the VP shunt is performed, a general anesthesia will be administered. The procedure begins with shaving the hair at the surgical site and making a small hole in the scalp to insert an inflow catheter into the brain’s left ventricle. A second incision is made behind the ear to guide the outflow catheter under the skin, passing through the chest & towards the abdominal cavity, where an additional incision is made to place this catheter and drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain into the peritoneum. Lastly, a valve or shunt with a reservoir is attached to both catheters to regulate fluid drainage.
Recovery: The patient might have to stay in the hospital for nearly 7 days. However, it is crucial to get in touch with your doctor immediately if you notice any changes at the shunt, like leakage or redness and swelling in the area, along with additional symptoms like fever, vomiting, or any vision problems.
Post-Procedure Care: Keep the incision site clean, take prescribed medication for pain relief, stay hydrated, and attend follow-up appointments for monitoring.
Benefits of Ventriculoperitoneal VP Shunt at Yashoda Hospitals
- Keeps the brain from getting damaged
- Improves the quality of life.
- Minimizes the developmental delays in infants by treating hydrocephalus.
- Reduces the strain on the brain, thereby alleviating headaches and other neurological issues.
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