Shunt (i.e. VP Shunt)

I am not accepting referrals for shunts or hydrocephalus at this time.

A ventriculoperitoneal shunt (or “shunt”, for short) is a medical implant used to treat hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus occurs when spinal fluid accumulates under pressure within the brain. A shunt consists of silicone tubing and a valve. The device reduces pressure within the brain by draining excess spinal fluid to another part of the body - usually the abdomen - where it can be absorbed.

A shunt is placed in a short procedure in the operating room. A catheter is inserted into the brain and then connected to a valve and a long piece of silicone tubing that travels under the skin and enters the abdomen. I often perform the procedure with a general surgeon who inserts the tubing into the abdomen using a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach (i.e. a tiny incision and a camera). After surgery, most patients stay one night in the hospital and go home the following day. Relief of hydrocephalus symptoms is usually rapid.

The main risk of a shunt is clogging of the tubing over time. Other risks include infection and either over- or under-drainage of spinal fluid. To avoid this latter problem, I insert a programmable shunt valve, meaning I am able to wirelessly increase or decrease the amount of spinal fluid drainage after the operation, depending on your symptoms.