How long does shunt surgery take

The shunt tubing relieves pressure on the brain, a condition known as hydrocephalus , by draining the extra fluid in the brain ventricle s to a different area of the body where it can be absorbed more quickly. Types of Brain Shunts Ventriculo-Peritoneal - The shunt catheter goes from the ventricle in the brain to the abdominal cavity Ventriculo-Pleural - The shunt catheter goes from the ventricle in the brain to the pleural space located outside the lung Ventriculo-Atrial - The shunt catheter goes from the ventricle in the brain into the right atrium cavity of the heart Programmable - These shunts have special valves that can be adjusted to allow more or less fluid to drain Fixed Pressure - These shunts have valves that drain at a set rate, either low, medium, or high The type of brain shunt a patient receives is dependent on their symptoms and specific diagnosis.

About Your Shunt Surgery For most shunt surgeries, patients are given general anesthesia to put them to sleep. 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.

The surgical nurse will shave the area behind your ear in preparation for shunting, as this is where they will place the catheter. Catheters are thin, flexible tubes used to drain excess fluid. A surgeon will make a tiny incision behind the ear and will also drill a small hole in the skull. They will then thread one catheter into the brain through this opening. The other catheter goes behind your ear and is subcutaneous, meaning it resides under the skin.

This tube travels down to your chest and abdomen, allowing excess CSF to drain into the abdominal cavity, where your body absorbs it. Your surgeon may attach a tiny pump to both catheters and place it under the skin behind your ear. The pump will automatically activate to remove fluid when the pressure in the skull increases.

It may even be possible to program the pump, also called a valve, to activate when the fluid increases to a certain volume. Recovery from a VP shunt placement takes three to four days. Most people can leave the hospital within seven days after the procedure.

During your hospitalization, the hospital staff will monitor your heart rate and blood pressure, and your doctor will administer preventive antibiotics. Your doctor will make sure the shunt is working properly before you leave.

Placement of a shunt is a very safe procedure. However, complications can occur during or after the procedure. Risks associated with any surgical procedure include excessive bleeding and infection. You might also experience adverse reactions to anesthesia, such as breathing difficulties, changes in heart rate, or changes in blood pressure levels. There are rare risks specific to VP shunting that can be serious and potentially life-threatening if left untreated, including:. Fever , headache, abdominal pain , fatigue , and a spike in blood pressure levels, or having the same symptoms that were present when the shunt was initially placed, can indicate an infection or a malfunction of the shunt.

Notify your doctor immediately if these signs and symptoms develop. According to the University of Chicago , infection is most common in the first few weeks after a shunt placement. Shunting is successful in reducing pressure in the brain in most people.

VP shunts are likely to require replacement after several years, especially in small children. 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. Shunt surgery is done by a specialist in brain and nervous system surgery neurosurgeon.

It's done under a general anaesthetic and usually takes 1 to 2 hours. If you have stitches, they may dissolve or need to be removed. Some surgeons use skin staples to close the wound, which will need to be removed after a few days. After the shunt has been installed, further treatment for hydrocephalus may be needed if the shunt becomes blocked or infected.

Shunt repair surgery will then be necessary. Instead of inserting a shunt, the surgeon makes a hole in the floor of your brain to allow the trapped cerebrospinal fluid CSF to escape to the brain's surface, where it can be absorbed. ETV is not suitable for everyone, but it could be an option if the build-up of CSF in your brain is caused by a blockage obstructive hydrocephalus.

The CSF will be able to drain through the hole, avoiding the blockage. ETV is done under general anaesthetic. The neurosurgeon makes a small hole in your skull and brain, and uses an endoscope to look inside the chambers of your brain.

An endoscope is a long, thin tube with a light and camera at one end. After making a small hole in the floor of your brain to drain the fluid, the endoscope is removed and the wound is closed using stitches.