Why is this procedure done?
Your brain is protected by your skull and spinal fluid. The spinal fluid, also called cerebrospinal fluid or CSF, surrounds your brain and your spine. The CSF in your brain is mostly in the fluid filled areas, called ventricles. ‚
A ventriculostomy is a tube that goes into the ventricle. It can drain extra CSF to lower the pressure in the brain. This tube can also measure the pressure on the brain. The doctor sometimes measures your brain pressure when you have a head injury or too much CSF. The brain pressure is also called your intracranial pressure or ICP. ‚
Too much CSF or bleeding in your brain can cause increased pressure on your brain and spinal cord. Swelling from a brain injury or a tumor can also cause increased pressure. The pressure can harm the brain and blood vessels in the brain. ‚
What will the results be?
There is less fluid around the brain and lower pressure inside the skull. The tube measures and lowers the pressure inside the skull. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Most often this is done in the intensive care unit or in surgery. You may not be aware of it. If you are awake: ‚
- The doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before the procedure.
- The doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- CT scan or MRI
- X-ray
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room or before the procedure, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. You will likely have a tube in your mouth to help with breathing.
- The doctor will shave the hair where the ventriculostomy will go, clean the area, and make a small cut. The doctor uses a special drill to make a hole in the skull. The doctor puts the catheter into the ventricle in the brain.
- The catheter is connected to a drainage system. It may be connected to a system to measure the pressure in the brain.
- The doctor will make sure the drainage system is level with your head.
- All the cuts are closed with stitches or staples and covered with a clean bandage.
- The procedure takes about 90 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room or to the Intensive Care Unit and the staff will watch you closely.
- You may feel discomfort and numbness after the procedure. You will get drugs to help with the pain and prevent infection.
- The staff may talk to you and ask questions to check you when you wake up.
- Each time you move, the drainage system will need to be checked.
- The tube will be removed before you leave the hospital.
What problems could happen?
- Infection in the spinal fluid or on the skin opening
- Ventriculostomy may drain too much fluid or not work well
- Bleeding
- Seizures
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚