VP Shunt Cost in Singapore

A VP shunt is placed to cure hydrocephalus, a condition in which pressure on the brain results from the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid. The goal is to decrease intracranial pressure and prevent brain damage by diverting excess fluid from the ventricles in the brain to the abdominal cavity to be absorbed.

If your child or you have any of the following signs of increased intracranial pressure\u2014a headache that does not go away, nausea, vomiting, loss of vision, bulging fontanelle (if your child is an infant), unsteady gait, seizures, irritability, or loss of consciousness\u2014you should see a doctor. Early examination is imperative to prevent problems.

Preoperative preparation includes neurological assessment, brain imaging, blood tests, and physical examination. Patients must fast for several hours before surgery. Risks will be discussed, and medication adjustments may be necessary. Parents of patients younger than that could receive special instruction about how to feed and care for the patients.

• Scalp Incision: A small surgical incision is made in the scalp to access the skull and brain structures underneath.
• Ventricular Catheter Placement: To collect additional cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a catheter is precisely inserted into one of the brain's ventricles.
• Subcutaneous Tunnelling: A second catheter is inserted from the head down to the abdominal cavity under the skin.
• Valve Attachment: The two catheters are attached to a valve to regulate CSF flow and prevent overdrainage.
• Drainage to the Abdomen: The device allows the excess CSF to constantly drain into the peritoneal cavity, from where the body can safely absorb it.

Usually, surgery lasts one to two hours. Based on recovery and any challenges, hospital stay typically ranges from one to three days.

• Infection
• Obstruction or malfunction of the shunt
• The over- or under-drainage of CSF
• Convulsions
• Abdominal complications or pain
• Shunt adjustment or replacement is needed.

The VP shunt effectively alleviates hydrocephalus symptoms, protects the brain from damage, improves quality of life, and allows children to grow normally. It typically provides long-term symptom control.

In recovery, there is a need to monitor for signs of infection or failure of the shunt. Neurological examination and follow-up imaging can be necessary.

Overall, a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is very successful, although this will depend on the patient's age, overall health, and the underlying cause of their hydrocephalus. Outcomes are typically higher for younger patients and those with some types of hydrocephalus, with success rates normally ranging from 60% to 70%.