Browse verified doctors or let our care team help you find the doctor best suited to your condition, treatment goals, and budget.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Durban, South Africa
10 months old baby Saidu was experiencing difficulty in breathing and body weakness. The child’s parents took him to a hospital in Nigeria for a…
| Speciality | Neurology |
| Procedure | VP Shunt |
| Success Rate | 70-90% |
| Recovery Time | 2-3 months |
| Treatment Time | 1-2 hours |
| Chances of Recurrence | 10-20% |
A VP Shunt, also known as a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, is a surgical procedure used to treat hydrocephalus. It is a condition where there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, leading to increased pressure. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 90 minutes. The surgeon drains the excess fluid in the brain by creating a hole in the skull and using a thin, flexible tube (catheter). Tiny pumps may be attached to the cavity to drain the fluid. The pumps can be regulated to extract extra fluid as it increases above a certain range, which is then dumped in the peritoneal cavity.
The VP shunt procedure is exclusively used in cases of hydrocephalus. There are two types of Hydrocephalus; Congenital Hydrocephalus, which is present at birth due to abnormal brain development, and Acquired Hydrocephalus, which is caused by infections, tumors, or head injuries leading to CSF buildup.
The recovery after a VP shunt procedure may take three to four days. Most patients are discharged from the hospital within seven days after the procedure. During the hospital stay, blood pressure, the proper working of the shunt, and the heart rate of the patient are consistently monitored. The doctor prescribes preventative antibiotics to avoid any infections. Patients may experience mild discomfort and headaches during the recovery period. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the shunt's function and ensure that the hydrocephalus is well-controlled. In some cases, physical therapy may be required to help with motor and developmental issues associated with the condition.
The ranking of hospitals according to the procedure is determined by a variety of parameters. When it comes to South Africa, the following measures can be used to rank hospitals for VP Shunt- Infrastructure, Procedure Availability, Popularity of procedure, Technology, Cost-effectiveness, Skilled medical personnel, Patient-care facilities, and Rate of Success
MediGence puts forth a lot of effort to make your medical travel of the finest quality, convenient, and affordable for you. With us, you can receive top-notch medical treatment while saving money and making your journey hassle-free with some unmatched benefits & services. Our value-based services include airport transfers, accommodation, 24/7 assistance, Virtual consultation, case manager, and prenegotiated treatment packages with upto a 30% discount. Many more benefits are available with MediGence your treatment abroad.
Definitely Yes. You can get an expert medical opinion via online consultation before you decide to travel. To schedule your online consultation with the specialist, you can reach one of our patient counselors. They will verify the doctor's consultation availability. Once confirmed, a payment link will be provided to you so you may schedule your online consultation.
Due to the high success rate and top-notch hospital infrastructure, VP Shunt in South Africa is considered reliable by many people around the world. Other factors that contribute to South Africa being the best choice for VP Shunt include:
The length of recovery after treatment is determined by the patient's overall health as well as the criticality of the treatment. Other factors, such as the patient's continued participation in rehabilitation sessions and postoperative care appointments, have a significant impact on the length of their recovery. It is recommended that the patient maintain regular contact with their surgeon for a few months after surgery to speed up recovery.
