How is It To Live With a VP Shunt

What is a VP Shunt?

VP Shunt, also known as a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, is a type of medical device that is used to relieve pressure on the brain that builds up from fluid accumulation. A VP shunt is used to treat a condition called hydrocephalus. This condition is characterized by an accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles. CSF cushions your brain and protects it from any kind of injury. It also delivers nutrients to the brain and takes away the waste products.

When the normal flow of the CSF in the brain is disrupted, the fluid starts to build up, creating a harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain, leading to brain damage. Through surgery, a VP shunt is placed inside one of the brain’s ventricles, to divert fluid away from the brain and restore the normal flow and pressure.

Materials and Methods For VP Shunt Surgery

The materials used for VP Shunt affects the quality and longevity of the device to a great extent. The material of the implants or artificial devices inserted inside the body of the individual is highly important and the surgeons often choose what suits the candidate the best. In general, the material that is used for the VP Shunts are made up of silicone. The material not only adheres to the tissue component of the individual but also provides necessary longevity to the candidate. The silicone VP Shunts however, need to be replaced after a stipulated period of time. This varies with age of the candidate as for babies and children, vp shunt replacement is done after two years of functioning. Whereas, in case of adults, the vp shunts can be replaced anytime between six years to eight years of time.

The procedure for vp shunt surgery takes ninety minutes in general. During this period, the candidate is provided with local anesthesia so that no pain is felt by the candidate. Henceforth, a small incision is made at the back of the ear after being cleanly shaved. Through the incision the vp shunt surgeon will drill a hold right into the skull in order to reach the ventricles of the brain. A small catheter is used for draining the excessive fluid accumulated. The second catheter is made to pass subcutaneously through the chest and the abdominal region. This is done to make the excess fluid drain into the abdominal region where it gets absorbed back into the blood stream and the body of the candidate. In some cases, a pump which is connected to both the catheters are attached behind the ear of the candidate. This pump, also called the valve, ideally controls the fluid drainage and can be programmed to regulate the speed or intensity of fluid drainage.

Hydrocephalus: Causes and Symptoms

The most common causes of hydrocephalus include a blockage. Cysts, tumors, or any kind of inflammation in the brain can lead to the disruption of the normal flow of CSF and result in a pressure build-up in the brain. The symptoms of hydrocephalus include the following:

• An over-sized head
• Headaches and seizures
• Irritability and tiredness
• Excessive sleepiness
• Poor appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Poor coordination and memory loss
• Impaired vision
• Loss of control over urination
• VP Shunt Procedure

To help drain the extra CSF from the brain, a VP Shunt is inserted into the head. This shunt takes extra fluid out from the brain into your belly, where it is absorbed by the body. This helps to reduce the pressure and swelling in the brain. The VP shunt surgery takes about one hour and is done in the operating room, while you are under the influence of general anesthesia.

A VP Shunt consists of 3 parts:

• A One-way Valve with a Reservoir
• A Short Catheter (Thin and Flexible Tube)
• A Long Catheter

The valve controls the flow of the fluid and is attached to the short catheter to drain the fluid away from the brain. This short catheter can be placed in the front, back, or side of the head. The long catheter is also attached to the valve and is channeled under the skin, behind the ear, down the neck, and into your belly.

Who Needs A VP Shunt?

VP Shunts are required in case the candidate is diagnosed with hydrocephalus. In the case of children, the condition is most visibly noticed by the enlargement of the head. In grown-ups and adults, the condition may be confirmed with the help of other symptoms. VP shunts are implanted in the brain in order to help drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricles so that the brain can continue to perform regular activities. The symptoms that may follow with hydrocephalus include headaches, cognitive impairments, movement impairment, irritability, delayed development, high-pitched cries among babies, muscle stiffness, nausea and vomiting, and many more.

VP Shunts have found high implementation because of their huge success in relieving the symptoms and extending longevity to the candidate. The treatment is also favored by most of the doctors as it is more affordable than other painful procedures which may not provide a long-term remedy. The cost of vp shunt in India has been estimated to be $1180, which is far more affordable than that of the countries. Apart from that, in some countries, the cost may surge up to $40,732 as in the United States.

After VP Shunt Surgery

After surgery, when you wake up, you are transferred to the recovery unit. Your body is attached to various machines that monitor the vital signs of your body such as blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and oxygen level. You may feel tired after the surgery but it is quite normal.

For the first few days after surgery, the nurses may ask questions you to find out if your brain is functioning properly. A computed tomography (CT) scan of your head may be conducted one or two days after the surgery to confirm that the shunt is in place.

Your neck or belly may feel tender after the surgery. You may feel tired but there will not be much pain. You may experience headaches for a few weeks after surgery. You will also feel some fluid moving around in your scalp, however, it is common. This will go away as your scalp starts to heal.

Recovery Post VP Shunt Surgery

VP shunt surgery is a major procedure as it involves implanting a device in the brain which will regulate and monitor the fluid content of the brain so that it can function properly. Thus, post surgery recovery of vp shunt may take time as the candidate needs to adjust with the new device monitoring inside the head. Where in the case of some candidates the recovery period may require only 3 to 4 days, Iin other cases, it may extend to over a week. In general, the candidate can get back regular activities after one week of complete rest. However, one must keep in mind to not indulge in activities that involve physical blows to the head for approximately six weeks.

Best Hospitals for VP Shunt Surgery Globally

Best Doctor for VP Shunt Surgery Globally