VP shunt

What it is:

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery is a procedure used to treat hydrocephalus, a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain, by diverting the fluid from the brain’s ventricles to the abdominal cavity where it can be absorbed by the body.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of hydrocephalus that may lead to VP shunt placement include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Confusion or memory issues
• Difficulty walking or balancing
• Incontinence
• In infants: enlarged head, irritability, or developmental delays.

Treatment:

Treatment involves surgically implanting a shunt system composed of:

• A ventricular catheter placed in the brain
• A valve to regulate CSF flow (fixed or programmable)
• A distal catheter that runs under the skin to the abdomen

The procedure typically takes about 1–1.5 hours under general anesthesia. Recovery may take a few days to a week in the hospital, with full recovery over several weeks. Shunts often last for years but may require monitoring or revision due to blockage, infection, or malfunction.