ventriculoperitoneal shunt…

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ventricles, the brain, craniotomy, cerebral shunt, shunt, ventriculoperitoneal, vp shunt, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, surgery performed to relieve intracranial, inside the skull, pressure, hydrocephalus, water on the brain, fluid is shunted, ventricles, the brain, abdominal cavity, in rare instances, into the pleural space, in the chest, this procedure is performed, in the operating room under general anesthesia, a flap is cut, in the scalp, a small hole is drilled, in the skull, a small catheter is passed into a ventricle, the brain, a pump, valve which controls flow of fluid, attached, catheter to keep the fluid away, brain, another catheter is attached, pump, tunneled under the skin, behind the ear, down the neck, chest, peritoneal cavity, abdominal cavity, in hydrocephalus, ventricles, the brain, become enlarged, cerebrospinal fluid, condition causes, brain tissue to, become compressed against the skull, causing serious neurological problems, shunting is necessary to drain the excess fluid, relieve the pressure, in the brain, hydrocephalus is recognized, to give the child the best possible neurological outlook, cases hydrocephalus is secondary to another disease process affecting the brain, one example, intracranial hemorrhage where blood gets, ventricles, the brain, fluid to not drain properly, in cases, a shunt is necessary to assist, in the fluid removed to alleviate raised intracranial pressure, risks, anesthesia, reactions to medications, problems breathing, surgery, bleeding, infection, common complications of vp shunt include shunt malfunction, blockage, infection, malfunction related to growth, shunt, replaced, a longer catheter, symptoms of shunt malfunction, infection include headache, fever, drowsiness, convulsions, brain surgery there is risk to actual brain tissue, the shunt catheter must pass, brain tissue to enter the ventricle, a small but potential risk of brain tissue damaged, resulting, neurologic deficit exists, actual surgery is good, hydrocephalus, associated, conditions spina bifida, brain tumor, meningitis, encephalitis, hemorrhage, conditions would influence the patient's prognosis, degree of hydrocephalus, prior to surgery, affect the outcome, support groups, families of children, hydrocephalus or spina bifida, available in most areas, patient's vital signs, neurological status, closely monitored, medication is given, pain, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, patient is monitored closely to ensure that the shunt is functioning properly, two to three days of bedrest, in the hospital, go home, imaging studies ct scans, surgery to confirm good positioning, the shunt, resolution, the hydrocephalus.