Vp Shunt Hydrocephalus

In the older patient with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus insertion of a vp shunt shows improvement rates in 61 to 90 of patients presenting with this condition saehle et al.

Vp shunt hydrocephalus. The peritoneum or abdominal area is the most popular site for distal catheter implantation. Abdominal complications can occur in people with hydrocephalus treated with a shunt. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is an effective way to treat the symptoms of hydrocephalus.

This condition occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid csf collects in the brain s ventricles. Ventriculoatrial shunt placement is indicated for hydrocephalus which is among the most common conditions encountered in neurosurgical practice. Vp shunting is a surgical procedure that primarily treats a condition called hydrocephalus.

A ventriculoperitoneal vp shunt is a cerebral shunt that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid csf when there is an obstruction in the normal outflow or there is a decreased absorption of the fluid. Although ventriculoperitoneal vp shunts do not have fewer complications than ventriculoatrial shunts the complications are less severe and have a lower mortality rate. A shunt allows the excess csf to drain to a different part of the body.

When fitted a ventriculoperitoneal shunt successfully drains csf and reduces brain pressure for most people. Hydrocephalus is treated with one of two surgical options. A shunt tube is surgically inserted into the brain and connected to a flexible tube placed under the skin to drain the excess fluid into either the chest cavity or the abdomen so it can be absorbed by the body.

Ventriculoatrial shunt placement enables cerebrospinal fluid csf to flow from the cerebral ventricular system to the atrium of the heart.