What condition are Ventriculoperitoneal shunts used for?

What condition are Ventriculoperitoneal shunts used for?

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is surgery to treat excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cavities (ventricles) of the brain (hydrocephalus).

Is Ventriculoperitoneal shunt permanent?

Depending on the circumstances, a VP shunt can be temporary or permanent.

How do shunts work?

To help drain the extra CSF from your brain, a VP shunt will be placed into your head. The VP shunt works by taking the fluid out of your brain and moving it into your abdomen (belly), where it’s absorbed by your body. This lowers the pressure and swelling in your brain.

What is a Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement?

Definition. A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement is surgery to insert a plastic tube to drain excess fluid from the brain and into the abdomen where it can be absorbed.

What are the complications of Ventriculoperitoneal shunt?

VP shunt complications include peritonitis, inguinal hernia, perforation of abdominal organs, intestinal obstruction, volvulus, and CSF ascites. Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt complications include septicemia, shunt embolus, endocarditis, and pulmonary hypertension.

Can shunt be removed?

Once the shunt has been proven to be unnecessary, it can be removed – typically as an outpatient procedure. Careful long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate for recurrence of hydrocephalus requiring shunt replacement.

How a shunt is placed?

The neurosurgeon will make two or three small incisions to place the shunt valve (usually above or behind the ear). The catheter will be tunneled under the skin. The end of the catheter will be carefully placed in the appropriate receiving cavity (usually the abdomen).

What is a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt?

Continuing Education Activity A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a cerebral shunt used to treat hydrocephalus. The shunt removes excess cerebrospinal fluid.

What is the proximal shunt (ventricular catheter)?

The catheter placed into the cerebral ventricle is called the proximal shunt (ventricular catheter) implying proximity to the brain. The most preferred proximal shunt location is on the right lateral ventricle as any complication will not be associated with the dominant hemisphere. If there is asymmetry, then the larger ventricle is used.

How do you place a shunt catheter in the brain?

It may be placed through a frontal approach into the anterior horn of the lateral ventricles or though a parieto-occipital approach into the trigone or occipital horn of the lateral ventricle. The catheter placed into the cerebral ventricle is called the proximal shunt (ventricular catheter) implying proximity to the brain.

What equipment is needed to perform a VP shunt?

A VP shunt is placed in the operating room under general anesthesia by a neurosurgeon. Equipment needed to perform the procedure includes: Shunt system (ventricular catheter, peritoneal catheter, and valve) Valve (small, medium, or high-pressure)