Learn about Obstructive Hydrocephalus Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Obstructive Hydrocephalus and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Obstructive Hydrocephalus

Obstructive hydrocephalus is a neurosurgical condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain's ventricles due to a blockage in its normal flow pathways. This buildup increases intracranial pressure, which can damage brain tissue. The primary neurosurgical procedure to treat this is typically an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) or the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. ETV creates a new drainage pathway by making an opening in the floor of the third ventricle, allowing CSF to bypass the obstruction. A VP shunt involves implanting a flexible tube to divert excess CSF from the brain to the abdominal cavity, where it is absorbed. These procedures are crucial for relieving pressure, preventing neurological damage, and improving symptoms like headaches, nausea, and cognitive decline.

Key Highlights

    Effectively reduces dangerous pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure).Can prevent permanent brain damage and neurological deficits if performed timely.Often leads to rapid improvement of symptoms like severe headache, nausea, and vision problems.Endoscopic procedures like ETV are minimally invasive, avoiding the need for a permanent implanted device.Shunt systems provide a long-term solution for chronic CSF flow problems.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Confirmed diagnosis of obstructive (non-communicating) hydrocephalus via imaging (CT or MRI).
  • Progressive symptoms of increased intracranial pressure: persistent headache, nausea/vomiting, vision blurring or double vision.
  • Neurological decline such as gait disturbance, cognitive impairment, or urinary incontinence.
  • Conditions causing obstruction like aqueductal stenosis, brain tumors, cysts, or post-hemorrhagic/ post-infectious scarring.
  • Failure of conservative management or in cases where the condition is life-threatening.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging studies (MRI/CT) to confirm the obstruction site.
  • Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess overall fitness for anesthesia.
  • Discussion of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives (ETV vs. Shunt) with the neurosurgeon.
  • Informed consent process detailing the specific planned surgery.
  • Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure as per anesthesia guidelines.
  • Shaving of a small area of the scalp if required.
  • Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the doctor.

Risks & possible complications

  • Standard surgical risks: infection, bleeding (hemorrhage), or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
  • Shunt-specific risks: malfunction (under-drainage or over-drainage), blockage, infection, or need for revision surgery.
  • ETV-specific risks: failure of the stoma (hole) to remain open, injury to nearby brain structures, or bleeding.
  • Potential for CSF leak from the incision site.
  • Rare complications like seizures, stroke, or damage to neurological function.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial monitoring in a neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) for 1-2 days to watch for complications.
  • Pain at the incision site is managed with medication.
  • Mobilization is encouraged gradually, starting the day after surgery.
  • Patients with shunts will receive instructions on identifying signs of shunt malfunction (headache, vomiting, drowsiness).
  • Stitches or staples are typically removed 7-10 days post-surgery.
  • Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and contact sports for several weeks.
  • Follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon for clinical assessment and possibly imaging to check shunt function or ETV patency.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-7 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering obstructive hydrocephalus in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for obstructive hydrocephalus compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 1,632 – USD 4,895 5-7 days ~ 4-6 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 12,079 – USD 36,236 5-7 days ~ 4-6 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Obstructive Hydrocephalus in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing obstructive hydrocephalus.

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
  • Icon43 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors

Nanavati Max Hospital

  • IconMumbai, India
  • Icon187 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
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Neurosurgeons for Obstructive Hydrocephalus

Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform obstructive hydrocephalus and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Sunil Patra
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. Aditya Gupta
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pawan Goyal
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sanjeev Srivastava
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mukesh Kumar
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vikram Singh
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amit Kumar
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi

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Dr. Sivasai Arumulla
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

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Dr. M A Jaleel
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Puneet Kant Arora
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. S Ramesh
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Atul Gupta
  • 34 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

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Dr. Shankar Basandani
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

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Dr. Gaurav Kulwal
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

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Dr. Nikunj Mittal
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

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Dr. Gajendra Singh Sandhu
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

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Dr. Varindra Paul Singh
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Pankaj Wadhwa
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Sudhir Dubey
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhinav Debanath
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

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