Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt for Hydrocephalus Treatment in India
About Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt for Hydrocephalus
Key Highlights
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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).
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Typical hospital stay:
3-7 days
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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.
Popular choices for ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus in India include Medanta The Medicity, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Cytecare Hospital, Miot Hospital Chennai, Nanavati Max Hospital, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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.
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.
Bangalore, India
48 Doctors
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.
- 24 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar