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Ventriculoperitoneal shunt

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Definition:

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a surgery performed to relieve pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure) caused by water on the brain ( hydrocephalus ). The fluid is drawn off (shunted) from the ventricles of the brain into the abdominal cavity or in rare instances, into the pleural space in the chest.

Alternative Names:

Shunt - ventriculoperitoneal; VP shunt

Description:

This procedure is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. A flap is cut in the scalp and a small hole is drilled in the skull. A small catheter is passed into a ventricle of the brain.

A valve (pump) that controls the flow of fluid is attached to the catheter to keep the fluid away from the brain. Another catheter is attached to the pump. It is tunneled under the skin, behind the ear, down the neck and chest, and into the abdominal cavity (peritoneal cavity).

Indications:

In hydrocephalus, the ventricles of the brain become enlarged with fluid of the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid). This condition causes the brain tissue to press (become compressed) against the skull, causing serious nervous system (neurological) problems. Shunting is needed to drain the excess fluid and relieve the pressure in the brain. This should be done as soon as hydrocephalus is diagnosed to give the child the best possible neurological outlook.

In some cases hydrocephalus occurs because of another disease that affects the brain. One example is an intracranial hemorrhage where blood gets into the ventricles of the brain and prevents the fluid from draining properly. In cases like this, a shunt is needed to help remove the fluid and to relieve intracranial pressure.

• Review Date: 5/3/2007
• Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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