Is shunt surgery safe?
Is shunt surgery safe?
VP shunts are generally safe, but there are some risks during and after the surgery. There can be bleeding, or an infection can develop.
How long does a shunt operation take?
Shunt surgery is done by a specialist in brain and nervous system surgery (neurosurgeon). It’s done under a general anaesthetic and usually takes 1 to 2 hours. You may need to stay in hospital for a few days after the operation to recover.
Do they shave your head for shunt surgery?
Your VP shunt surgery will take place in the operating room while you’re asleep. The surgery will take about 1 hour. Once you’re asleep, the doctor will shave off some hair near the area where they’ll make the incision (surgical cut) on your head. Your entire head won’t be shaved.
Can you feel a shunt?
You won’t be able to see the catheter because it will be under your skin. However, you may be able to feel the shunt catheter along your neck. Once all the parts of the shunt are connected, it will start draining the excess CSF as needed to reduce the pressure in your brain.
Can a shunt cause memory loss?
After shunt operation, cognitive impairment improves but marked improvement in cognitive functions is less frequent than that of the gait disorder. The impairment of memory, working memory and visuoconstructive and psychomotor slowing appears likely to respond shunt surgery.
What happens if a shunt fails?
A shunt blockage can be very serious as it can lead to an build-up of excess fluid in the brain, which can cause brain damage. This will cause the symptoms of hydrocephalus. Emergency surgery will be needed to replace the malfunctioning shunt.
What are the risks of a shunt placement?
This should be discussed in full with the treatment team prior to placement. Some common risks of shunt placement include. Failure of the shunt to work properly. Seizures after shunt placement. Infection. Bleeding around the shunt and into the brain. Drainage of too much fluid from the brain.
What happens if a shunt is left untreated?
If left untreated, infection can cause the wound to open up or cause systemic infection with chills and high fever. Infection usually requires removal of the shunt. In some cases, the infection can be controlled with intensive antibiotic therapy without removing the shunt.
What does a neurosurgeon do for a shunt?
A neurosurgeon will run tests to determine the nature of the obstruction. He or she may remove or replace the obstructed part of the shunt. Infection is a risk of all surgical operations, especially when a foreign body like a shunt is implanted.
What are the possible complications of hydrocephalus shunt?
Abdominal complications can occur in people with hydrocephalus treated with a shunt. The peritoneum or abdominal area is the most popular site for distal catheter implantation.
