Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt

What is Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt? 

Medical equipment called a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is used by surgeons to treat a brain disease known as hydrocephalus. This disease is caused by the collection of the brain’s ventricles of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF prevents the brain against damage to the skull. The fluid functions as a nutrient distribution mechanism that the body requires and also removes waste. CSF flows into the brain base via such ventricles, which bathes both the brain and the spinal cord before being reabsorbed into the blood. The accumulation of fluid can cause damaging pressure to the brain tissue when this ordinary flow is disturbed. It could harm the brain. Surgically, the doctor positions VP shunts within the ventricles of the brain to prevent fluid from the brain and to restore regular CSF flow and absorption.

 What are the symptoms leading to doctor’s recommending – Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt? 

• Accumulation of Cerebral or brain fluid in the brain due to the absence of drainage. The symptom is also called Hydrocephalous.

 Evaluations for Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt

• MRI
• CT scan
• CSF tests
• Physical neurological examination

 Treatment for Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt 

The patient is given general anesthesia during this procedure. In preparing to shunt, the nurse will shave the region behind the ear as they put the catheter on it. Tubes used to drain the surplus liquid in catheters are slim, flexible. A doctor makes a small incision and also drills a small hole in the skull behind the ear. Then the doctor ties a catheter via the opening into the brain. The other catheter is below the skin and passes behind the ear. This is a subcutaneous catheter. The tube reaches the chest and abdomen so that surplus CSF drains into the abdominal cavity where the body makes it. The doctor can connect both catheters to a small pump and position it behind the neck under the skin. While the pressure of the skull rises, the pump is immediately turned on to extract liquid. The pump, also known as a valve, might be programmed to activate if the fluid rises to a given volume. 

Estimated Costs

For Neurology and Neurosurgery Treatments Details – Click Here 

For Other Neurology related treatments:-

1. Autism treatment
2. Cerebral Palsy treatment

Best Hospitals for Neurology Treatment

1. Apollo Hospital  
2. Fortis Hospital 
3. BLK Hospital 
4. Artemis Hospital 
5. Medanta Hospital 
6. KD Hospital
7. Aster Hospital 
8. Jaypee Hospital
9. W-Pratiksha Hospital

The National Law Review  October 19, 2020 – Hydrocephalus in Infants and Medical Negligence

The Hindu 23 August 2018 – Baby suffering from hydrocephalus operated upon successfully