VP Shunt Surgery (Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt) in India

Hydrocephalus is a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that normally cushions the brain and spinal cord, within the fluid-filled cavities (ventricles) of the brain. When this fluid isn't draining or absorbing normally, pressure builds up inside the skull, which can cause headaches, vomiting, vision problems, developmental delay in infants, or more serious neurological symptoms if untreated.

What the surgery does

A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a thin, flexible tube system that diverts excess CSF away from the brain's ventricles to the peritoneal cavity in the abdomen, where the fluid is safely reabsorbed by the body. The system includes a catheter placed into a brain ventricle, a valve that regulates the rate of drainage, and a second catheter tunnelled under the skin down to the abdomen. Some shunts are programmable, allowing the drainage rate to be adjusted non-invasively after surgery as the patient's needs change.

What to expect from the outcome

A well-functioning shunt relieves pressure and stabilises or improves symptoms for most patients. Shunts are mechanical devices, however, and can occasionally block, infect, or require revision over time, more commonly in infants and young children than in adults. Regular follow-up allows any shunt problems to be caught and addressed early.