number>
A tube with holes on it that drains the fluid from inside the brain. This tube is the ventricular catheter.A one-way valve controls how much fluid is drained. This part may have a bubble or balloon portion where doctors can collect a sample of the extra fluid. This is the shunt valve.A long tube that carries the fluid from the valve into the lining of the belly. This is the distal or peritoneal catheter.
What will the results be?
There will be less fluid around the brain. This will lower the pressure inside the skull. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- The doctor will take your childs history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs your child is 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 your child takes with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if your child is 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. Your child may need to stop these drugs as well.
- When your child needs 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
- The doctor may ask you to give your child a bath before going to the hospital. This will lessen the amount of germs on your child's body.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once your child is in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your childs arm to give fluids and drugs. A drug will be given to make your child sleepy. It will also help your child stay pain free during the surgery.
- When your child is asleep, the doctors put a tube in your child's mouth to help with breathing.
- The doctor will shave the hair behind your child's ear, clean the area, and make a small cut. A special tool is used to drill a hole into the skull. The doctor puts the ventricular catheter end into the ventricle in the brain.
- Next, the doctor puts the valve under the skin behind the ear. It is connected to the catheter in the brain and the one that goes down into the belly area.
- The doctor will put the peritoneal catheter through the cut under the skin behind the ear. A special tool is used to tunnel it just below the skin. This part of the shunt runs from the valve behind the ear, down the neck and chest, and into the belly. The doctor makes a small cut on the belly to guide the catheter into the right place in the belly area.
- All the cuts are closed with stitches or staples and covered with a clean bandage.
- The procedure takes about 1 1/2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your child will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch your child closely. Your child may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days.
- Your child may feel discomfort and numbness after the procedure. Your child will get drugs to help with the pain and prevent infection.
- Your child may be asked to stay flat on bed for 24 hours. The doctor may let your child sit and move around the next day.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
You may have to limit your childs activity. Talk to the doctor about the right amount of activity for your child. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Shunt may drain too much fluid or not function properly
- Bleeding
- Damage to organs near where your child had surgery
- Seizures
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/hydrocephalus.html# ‚
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚