Shunting for Hydrocephalus in India

The VP shunt is a commonly performed neurosurgical procedure in India for the treatment of hydrocephalus, a condition in which there is a buildup of excess pressure within the brain. This procedure aims to transfer excess fluid from within the brain to either the abdominal cavity or the chest region of the body. The transfer of this excess fluid normalises the intracranial pressure (pressure within the brain)
The shunt system consists of two catheters and a valve, both of which are embedded within the body and not visible from the outside.

In hydrocephalus, there is a buildup of fluid of the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF). This buildup of fluid causes higher-than-normal pressure on the brain. Too much pressure, or pressure that is present too long, will damage the brain tissue.

A shunt helps to drain the excess fluid and relieve the pressure in the brain. A shunt should be placed as soon as hydrocephalus is diagnosed.

Risks for any anesthesia are : -

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing
• Changes in blood pressure or breathing rate

Risks for any surgery are : -

• Bleeding
• Infection

Possible risks of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement are : -

• Blood clot or bleeding in the brain
• Brain swelling
• The shunt may stop working and fluid will begin to build up in the brain again
• The shunt may become infected
• Infection in the brain
• Damage to brain tissue
• Seizures

Before the Procedure in India

If the procedure is not an emergency (planned surgery) : -

• Tell your doctor or nurse what drugs, supplements, vitamins, or herbs your child takes.
• Give any drugs the doctor told you to give your child. It is okay if they take them with a small sip of water.
• The doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.

Ask your doctor or nurse about eating and drinking before the surgery. The general guidelines are : -

• Older children should not eat any food or drink any milk for 6 hours before surgery, but they can have clear fluids (juice or water) up until 4 hours before the operation.
• Infants fewer than 12 months can usually eat formula, cereal, or baby food until about 6 hours before surgery. They may have clear fluids up until 4 hours before the operation.

Your doctor may ask you to wash your child with a special soap on the morning of the surgery. Rinse well after using this soap.

If you or your loved one is looking for shunt surgery in India or shunt surgery at affordable prices abroad or you are looking for best hospitals for shunt surgery in India ,you can write to us at info@wecareindia.com.You can visit us at http://www.wecareindia.com/nephrology/csf-shunt-procedures.html Call us at +911145589996 / 25889996 for further inquiries.