What is ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery?
Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery drains extra fluid out of the brain. The extra fluid moves into the belly and is absorbed by the body. This helps control the pressure in the brain so the brain can work as it should.
Some health problems can cause swelling and pressure in the brain. These include brain tumours and hydrocephalus, which is extra fluid in the brain.
The surgery is done in two parts. First, the doctor drills a small hole in your skull. A thin tube is then placed in the brain's fluid-filled part. Then the doctor threads a thin tube from a cut in your belly to your chest and neck. The two tubes are then connected with a valve. This allows the fluid to drain into the belly.
You will be asleep during this surgery. It usually takes a few hours. After the surgery, you will probably stay in the hospital for several days. Your doctor will let you know when you can go back to school or work.
You can do all of your normal activities with the shunt in place. You will have a lump on your head where the valve is.
You probably will have your VP shunt for life. After several years, you may need to replace it. You may also need to replace it if it stops working well.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Preparing for surgery
- Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
- Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your surgery. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
- Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance care plan. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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