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Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
Alternate Names : Shunt - Ventriculoperitoneal, VP Shunt
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Indications
In hydrocephalus, the ventricles of the brain become enlarged with cerebrospinal fluid. This condition causes the brain tissue to become compressed against the skull, thus causing serious neurological problems. Shunting is necessary to drain the excess fluid and relieve the pressure in the brain. This should be done as soon as hydrocephalus is recognized to give the child the best possible neurological outlook.
In some cases hydrocephalus is secondary to another disease process affecting the brain. One example is an intracranial hemorrhage where blood gets into the ventricles of the brain and causes the fluid to not drain properly. In cases like this a shunt is necessary to assist in the fluid being removed to alleviate raised intracranial pressure.
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• Definition
• Overview & Description
• Indications
• Expectations after Surgery
• Convalescence & Recovery
• Risks
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Encephalitis
• Hydrocephalus
• Meningitis
• Myelomeningocele (Children)
• Primary Brain Tumor
Other Topics
• Drowsiness
• Fever
• Headache
• Intravenous
• Seizures
• Vital Signs
Review Date : 8/10/2003
Reviewed By : Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D, MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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