Why shunt surgery

Adults and children over the age of 2 may not need a shunt replacement for eight or more years. Shunt systems require frequent monitoring and follow-up. Complications that may occur with shunt systems include:. Malfunctions can lead to serious complications, such as over- or under-draining of CSF. This can cause ventricles to collapse, which may lead to headaches or hemorrhage inside the brain. Under-draining allows CSF to accumulate on the brain and can cause symptoms of hydrocephalus to return.

Hydrocephalus is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the skull and causes the brain to swell. Babies born with this neurological condition are missing the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum, which normally forms the front of the brain. The carotid artery brings oxygen to your face and brain.

If this artery is clogged, it may require surgery. Learn more here. Stents are meant to be permanent implants that open narrowed blood vessels. Find out what can cause stents to become blocked and how this is treated. These blockages are a risk factor of stroke.

Endovascular embolization EE is a surgical procedure used to block blood flow in parts of your body. Learn why and how the procedure is done. A blown vein is when a needle punctures through a vein and causes it to rupture. Your doctor will…. An anastomosis typically refers to a connection between blood vessels or between two loops of the intestine. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

The procedure is done as follows: An area of hair on the head is shaved. This may be behind the ear or on the top or back of the head.

The surgeon makes a skin incision behind the ear. Another small surgical cut is made in the belly. A small hole is drilled in the skull. One end of the catheter is passed into a ventricle of the brain. This can be done with or without a computer as a guide. It can also be done with an endoscope that allows the surgeon to see inside the ventricle. A second catheter is placed under the skin behind the ear. It is sent down the neck and chest, and usually into the belly area.

Sometimes, it stops at the chest area. In the belly, the catheter is often placed using an endoscope. The doctor may also make a few more small cuts, for instance in the neck or near the collarbone, to help pass the catheter under the skin.

A valve is placed underneath the skin, usually behind the ear. The valve is connected to both catheters. When extra pressure builds up around the brain, the valve opens, and excess fluid drains through the catheter into the belly or chest area. This helps lower intracranial pressure. Some might need to be stopped before the surgery. Also let the doctor know if your child has any allergies.

Your child will stay in the hospital after the surgery, so bring toiletries and other items that will help make the stay more comfortable.

A surgeon will do the VP shunt placement in an operating room. Your child will get anesthesia to sleep during the surgery and not feel pain. A small area of hair might be shaved, then the surgeon will make small incisions cuts in the scalp.

After making a small hole in the skull, the surgeon will place the tip of the catheter into the brain. This catheter is connected to a valve, which is then connected to a second catheter. When the shunt is in place, the doctor closes the incisions with stitches or staples, and puts on bandages. The catheter runs under the skin into the belly, so you can't see it. You might be able to feel where the tubing travels under the skin in the neck.

After the surgery, the doctors and nurses will watch your child closely in the recovery room. Brain Shunt Hospital Recovery Time Your brain shunt recovery time in the hospital depends on the reason for the shunt and what type was inserted. You need to be able to walk, eat, urinate and your surgical wound must be healing well. Brain Shunt Recovery at Home You should continue to gradually increase your activity and walking within and outside the home is encouraged.

Avoid lifting and strenuous activity You are not allowed to drive a car. Your doctor will give you specific instructions about driving on discharge or when you follow-up in the office. You can ride as a passenger in a car as directed. Sexual activity may resume when indicated by your doctor Remember to call and schedule your follow-up appointment with your doctor once you are at home If you have a programmable shunt, it will have to reset each time you have an MRI You may shower, but try and avoid bathtubs, whirlpools and swimming pools until cleared with your doctor.