How long does it take to recover from shunt surgery?

Recovery from a VP shunt placement takes three to four days. Most people can leave the hospital within seven days after the procedure.

What is a Subgaleal shunt?

A subgaleal shunt consists of a shunt tube with one end in the lateral ventricles while the other end is inserted into the subgaleal space of the scalp. This will allow for the collection and absorption of excess cerebrospinal fluid.

What happens when they put a shunt in your brain?

Over-drainage: When the shunt allows cerebral fluid to drain from the brain’s ventricles more quickly than it is produced, the ventricles can collapse, tearing blood vessels and causing bleeding in the brain or blood clot, marked by severe headache, nausea, vomiting, seizure and other symptoms.

How long does a shunt series take?

The operation usually takes between one and two hours. The area from the head to the abdomen (belly) is scrubbed with a special soap.

What should I watch after shunt surgery?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

1. You feel new bumps on your head 3 to 5 days after surgery or the bumps get bigger after 2 weeks.
2. There is redness or swelling along the shunt.
3. You have trouble thinking clearly.
4. You have a fever with a stiff neck or a severe headache.
5. Your incision comes open.

What is Subgaleal hematoma?

A subgaleal hematoma (SGH), also known as a subgaleal hemorrhage, is a serious complication that occurs when blood accumulates outside of the baby’s skull (extracranially) (1).

Can a shunt cause a brain bleed?

Postshunt intracerebral hemorrhage is one of the complications of VP shunt surgery. It may be caused by puncture of the choroid plexus, repeated attempts at perforation of the ventricles or inadequate placement of the tubing within the parenchyma of the brain.

How do I know if my shunt is working?

In many cases, diagnostic imaging, such as CT scans or X-rays, is performed to rule in or rule out shunt dysfunction. These imaging tests expose patients to radiation, and many times these tests indicate that the shunt is in fact working properly.

Can you shower after shunt surgery?

You may shower or bathe within 24 hours after surgery, however do not get your incision(s) wet until 4 days after surgery. We recommend that you shower with someone in the bathroom to assist you. Wash, do not scrub your incision. Do not immerse your head underwater.