Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Child’s Doctor

Definition

A ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation is a surgery where a doctor inserts a drainage tube (catheter) into the brain. The tube runs into the abdominal cavity. This tube is used to move extra fluid in the brain to the abdomen where it can be absorbed. The entire tube is under the skin and not visible.

Reasons for Procedure

This type of shunt is used to treat hydrocephalus. It happens when there is too much fluid in the brain. Extra fluid can cause increased pressure. This pressure can damage sensitive brain tissues. The shunt drains the extra fluid and reduces pressure on the brain.

Hydrocephalus

Nucleus factsheet image
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If your child is going to have this surgery, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

  • Shunt failure
  • Brain swelling
  • Blood clot or bleeding in the brain
  • Infection in the shunt or brain
  • Damage to brain tissue
  • Reaction to the anesthesia (eg, light-headedness, low blood pressure, wheezing)

Be sure to discuss these risks with the doctor before the surgery.

What to Expect

At your child’s doctor appointment before the surgery, the doctor may:

  • Do a neurological exam—This is to find out how your child’s nerves work. It involves evaluating mental status, as well as motor and sensory abilities.
  • Order MRI or CT scans of the brain—Images of your child’s body will help the doctor plan the surgery.
  • Answer any question that you have—Can my child take her regular medicines before the surgery? What kind of recovery can we expect? How soon will symptoms start to improve? What are signs that the shunt is not working?
  • Instruct your child to not eat or drink before the surgery—Your child’s doctor will give you instructions about fasting based on your child’s age. Fasting may range from 6-12 hours before surgery.

General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep your child asleep during the surgery. It is given through an IV (needle) in the hand or arm.

A breathing tube will be placed to help your child breathe during surgery. The scalp and abdomen are cleaned with antiseptic. The doctor will make small incisions in the scalp and abdomen. A small hole is made in the skull. A catheter is passed through the hole into your child’s brain. Then the catheter is tunneled under the skin down to the abdomen. This end of the catheter is put into the abdominal cavity. The incisions are closed and a dressing is applied to each area.

After the surgery, your child will be taken to the recovery room for observation. If all is well, the breathing tube will likely be removed there. Your child will be moved to a hospital room to recover.

1-1½ hours

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. Your child may be given medicine to treat pain and soreness after surgery.

Your child may be in the hospital for 3-7 days. Your child’s doctor may choose to keep him longer if complications arise.

  • Your child may need to lay flat for up to 24 hours after surgery.
  • Your child’s heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and brain status will be monitored closely.
  • Your child will receive nutrition through an IV until she is ready to eat and drink.
  • The shunt will be checked to make sure it is working.
  • Antibiotics may be given. Pain medicine will be given as needed.

When your child is at home, do the following for a smooth recovery:

  • Follow the doctor’s instructions on bathing. You will probably not be allowed to soak your child’s head in water or wash her hair until healing is complete.
  • Check the incision sites to make sure they are not infected.
  • Do not let your child pick at the incisions.

Call Your Child’s Doctor

After your child leaves the hospital, contact the doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Symptoms that went away return
  • Stiff neck
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, a lot of bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
  • Vomiting (which may be a sign of the shunt not working)
  • Pain that is not controlled with the medicines your child has been given
  • Vision problems
  • Being very sleepy
  • Confusion
  • Developmental delays
  • Not eating or drinking enough

Call for medical help or go to the emergency room right away if any of the following occurs in your child:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Blue or gray skin color
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Not wanting to be held
  • Seizures

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.