EdhaCare - CerebrospInal Fluid Shunt (CFS) In India

Placements of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) shunt are commonly used to treat hydrocephalus.

These shunt networks remove surplus fluid from the brain and transport it to another region of the body, where it is absorbed as part of the circulatory system.

The treatment of brain swelling caused by an excess of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a medical operation that reduces pressure on the brain caused by fluid accumulation.

When there is too much pressure in the brain due to CSF accumulation, a medical condition known as hydrocephalus, the operation is performed.

It usually affects babies and the elderly.

Normally, cerebrospinal fluid flows through the brain's ventricles, immersing the brain and spinal cord before being absorbed into the bloodstream.

When this regular flow is disrupted, fluid builds up in the brain, putting detrimental pressure on the tissues.

The VP Shunt drains fluid from the brain and transports it to other areas of the body, where it is absorbed.

Your surgeon will advise you to do the following before surgery:

• Use brain imaging procedures such as an MRI or a CT scan to pinpoint the specific site of the excess fluid.
• At least 10 days before the surgery, you should cease using blood thinners.
• 6 hours before the surgery, you should cease eating.

A skilled neurosurgeon performs the treatment under general anaesthesia, and it roughly takes 90 minutes.

After giving anaesthesia, your surgeon will make a small cut behind the ear and another in the belly.

Your surgeon will next drill a small hole in the skull and insert a catheter into one of the brain's ventricles.

A second catheter is then inserted beneath the skin behind the ear and guided to the chest and belly.

Both catheters are connected to a pump (valve) that is put behind the ear.

This pump will assist in the automatic removal of fluid into the belly area as the pressure in the skull rises.

The following risks and consequences are possible with Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunt Surgery:

• Fluid leakage beneath the skin
• Perforation of the bowel (holes in the intestines)
• Blockage of the shunt
• Bleeding, swelling, or a blood clot in the brain.
• Shunt dysfunction can result in frequent headaches, fatigue, fever, and infection.
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• When your doctor says it's okay, you can resume your normal activities.
• If you intend to exercise, check with your doctor to see if it is safe.
• You'll visit your neurologist, neurosurgeon, or both on a regular basis.
• They'll monitor your Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunt's performance over time.
• Talk to our doctors if you have any additional queries.