Learn about Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt for 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 Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt for Hydrocephalus and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt for Hydrocephalus

A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a life-saving neurosurgical procedure primarily used to treat hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles. This excess fluid increases intracranial pressure, which can damage brain tissue. The procedure involves the surgical placement of a flexible, silicone tube (shunt) to divert excess CSF from the brain's ventricles to the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), where it is safely absorbed into the bloodstream. The shunt system includes a valve that regulates the flow of CSF to prevent over-drainage. This is a common and effective treatment that alleviates symptoms, prevents further neurological damage, and significantly improves the patient's quality of life.

Key Highlights

    Effectively reduces dangerously high pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure).Alleviates symptoms like headaches, nausea, vision problems, and cognitive decline.Prevents permanent brain damage and neurological deficits caused by hydrocephalus.Can be performed on patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly.Utilizes a programmable valve in many cases, allowing non-invasive adjustment of fluid flow after surgery.Offers a long-term management solution for chronic hydrocephalus./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Congenital hydrocephalus present at birth (e.g., aqueductal stenosis).
  • Hydrocephalus secondary to intracranial hemorrhage, especially in premature infants.
  • Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) in older adults, presenting with gait disturbance, dementia, and urinary incontinence.
  • Hydrocephalus caused by brain tumors, cysts, or infections like meningitis.
  • Post-traumatic hydrocephalus following a severe head injury.
  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) when other treatments fail.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging studies (CT or MRI scan) to confirm hydrocephalus and plan surgery.
  • Review of all current medications; discontinuation of blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised.
  • Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess overall fitness for anesthesia.
  • Fasting for 6-8 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
  • Discussion with the neurosurgeon about the type of shunt (fixed or programmable valve) and the surgical plan.
  • Informed consent process detailing the procedure, benefits, and potential risks.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infection of the shunt system, which may require antibiotic treatment or shunt replacement.
  • Shunt malfunction due to blockage (obstruction), disconnection, or breakage.
  • Over-drainage or under-drainage of CSF, leading to complications like subdural hematoma or persistent symptoms.
  • Bleeding (intracerebral or intra-abdominal) during or after the procedure.
  • Seizures, although this risk is generally low.
  • Abdominal complications such as perforation of an organ, hernia, or ascites (fluid collection).
  • Allergic reaction to shunt materials (rare).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial recovery in a hospital setting for monitoring of neurological status and wound care.
  • Pain at the incision sites is managed with prescribed medications.
  • Patients are encouraged to sit up and walk with assistance soon after surgery to promote recovery.
  • Incision sites must be kept clean and dry; instructions will be given for bathing.
  • Avoidance of strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and contact sports for several weeks.
  • Follow-up appointments are crucial for wound checks and to assess shunt function. Patients and caregivers are educated to recognize signs of shunt malfunction (e.g., severe headache, vomiting, drowsiness, fever).
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering ventriculoperitoneal shunt for 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 ventriculoperitoneal shunt for 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 3-7 days ~ 4-6 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 12,079 – USD 36,236 3-7 days ~ 4-6 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt for Hydrocephalus in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunt for 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
PATIENT REVIEW

At my age, you worry about...

At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.

Neurosurgeons for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt for Hydrocephalus

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

Dr. Dibanath Chakraborthy
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

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Dr. Nandish H S
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

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Dr. Sharan Srinivasan
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

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Dr. Sunil Bundel
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

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Dr. Ninad Patil
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

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Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

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Dr. Kr Suresh Bapu
  • 42 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

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Dr. Vijaysankaran
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

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Dr. Vishwaraj Ratha
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

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Dr. R Sunil Kapilavayi
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

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Dr. Digant Kamdar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri

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Dr. Anurup Saha
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
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MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri

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Dr. Manish Ganesh Pai
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

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Dr. Robin H Gupta
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

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Dr. Amit Jaiswal
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. Sreedhar Vuyyuru
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital Vijayawada

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Dr. Deepak Kumar Parida
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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