Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery: What to Expect at Home Kaiser Permanente

Table of Content

• Make an appointment
• VP shunt surgery
• About Your Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Surgery

It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes. Hydrocephalus (hi-droh-SEF-eh-less) happens when CSF does not drain out of the hollow spaces inside the brain as it should. VP shunts drain the extra fluid and help prevent pressure from getting too high in the brain. ‌Shunts are generally safe but can get infected, which is a medical emergency.

Cerebrospinal fluid protects your brain by acting as a shock absorber. It is also a transport system to carry nourishment to the brain and take waste products away from the brain. If there is too much CSF, however, it can put pressure on the brain and cause problems.

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Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the areas with a gauze bandage if they weep or rub against clothing. Your child can shower after your doctor says it is okay to remove the bandages. See our Primary Care providers for regular check-ups, physical exams, medical screenings, and more. Problems with a VP shunt happen even with regular care and at unpredictable times. The shunt can get worn out or move as a child grows.

The major problems to watch for are an infected shunt and a blocked shunt. Most of the time, your child may sleep in any position. But, check this with your provider as each child is different. Your child should be able to eat normal foods after going home, unless the provider tells you otherwise. For 6 weeks, do not do any activity that may cause you to hit your head. Fluid coming out of the incision site on the head or abdomen.

VP shunt surgery

If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt. Check with your doctor about when it is safe to travel by plane. It is okay for you to lie on the side of your head with the shunt.

Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again. The tube in your belly will not affect how you digest food.

About Your Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Surgery

They’ll check on the function of your VP shunt over time. Taking it when you first have pain is better than waiting for the pain to get worse. You’ll be given ice chips to eat after your surgery. You’ll start with a liquid diet and then you can start eating your normal foods again, as tolerated. Use your incentive spirometer 10 times every hour you’re awake. Ask you questions such as where you are and what time of day it is.

Programmable valves, also called adjustable valves, can be adjusted without further surgery. Your doctor can change the pressure setting of this valve during an office visit, using a special magnet. Surgeons tend to choose programmable valves for most shunt placements. A VP shunt can be programmable or non-programmable.

How Should We Prepare for a VP Shunt?

Our counseling center offers counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups. We can also prescribe medications to help if you feel anxious or depressed. To make an appointment, ask your healthcare provider for a referral or call the number above.

When traveling a long distance, don’t sit for long periods of time. This will help keep blood clots from forming in your legs. Your breathing tube is usually taken out while you’re still in the operating room. Once your surgery is finished, your incision will be closed with staples or sutures .

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Without problems, your child's shunt may be left in place for years. If you are unable to speak with the neurosurgeon, go to the Emergency Department. A shunt malfunction or infection may be life-threatening if not treated.

Your doctor will take them off 1 to 2 days after your surgery. Don’t get your incision wet, and don’t put any lotions, creams or powders on it for 5 days after your surgery. To make sure your shunt is in the right place, you may have a computed tomography scan of your head 1 to 2 days after your surgery. Your nurse will give you more information about the scan before it’s done. As the VP shunt drains extra CSF and lessens the pressure in your brain, it may ease some of your symptoms. Some symptoms will stop right after the VP shunt is inserted.

You may notice a change in your child's bowel habits right after surgery. If your child has not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, call your doctor or nurse advice line. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.