Cranial surgery
Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunts
Diverting cerebrospinal fluid to relieve hydrocephalus.
Overview
A VP shunt drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricles of the brain into the abdomen, where it is reabsorbed. It is the workhorse treatment for hydrocephalus in adults and children.
What it treats
- Congenital and acquired hydrocephalus
- Normal-pressure hydrocephalus
- Post-haemorrhagic and post-infectious hydrocephalus
How it is performed
A small catheter is placed into the ventricle, connected to a programmable valve under the scalp and tunnelled to the abdominal cavity. The whole system sits beneath the skin.
Recovery
Hospital stay is two to three days. Symptomatic improvement is often noticeable within the first week. Follow-up imaging confirms catheter position.
When to see a specialist
If you or your GP think this procedure may be relevant, request a consultation. Bring any imaging and a referral letter if you have one.
Request an appointment