Question 1

how long does it take for an adult to recover from shunt surgery for hydrocephalus?

Accepted Answer

Week: If the shunt is working appropritely then the intial symptoms , ie headache, ataxia, bladder issues will resolve quickly. The obdominal incision whether open or laparoscopic will become increasingly pain free over that same week.

Question 2

i'm going to have shunt surgery for hydrocephalus and i'm scared?

Accepted Answer

Fairly routine: For an experienced and seasoned neurosurgeon, placement of a shunt to reduce pressure secondary to hydrocephalus is usually a safe and routine procedure, unlikely to be associated with complications.  However, due to your fears, have a complete pre-operative meeting with the surgical team, and get all your questions and concerns addressed.

Question 3

why do i need to lie down for 24 hours after hydrocephalus shunt surgery?

Accepted Answer

Surgeon preference: Your surgeon must have a preference for you laying down.  Every neurosurgeon's practice is different and yours definitely has his reasons.  I would not second guess his protocol.
In our facility, our shunt patients are usually up and walking the evening of surgery and home the next day- but trust your surgeon.

Question 4

i have a ventriculoperitoneal (vp) shunt  for hydrocephalus recently ive been getting stitch like pain where the tubing is in my stomach its that bad it feels like ive had the surgery again and hurts to move what is going on?

Accepted Answer

Perhaps infection: You may (MAY) be having a “stitch abscess” adjacent to the abdominal portion of the VP shunt.  In and of itself this is not serious but if its infected, the infection can spread up the shunt and ultimately cause a very serious, life threatening infection (ventriculitis).  Need a specialist (Neurosurg, ID,) to physically look at ASAP

Question 5

i have normal pressure hydrocephalus, had surgery back in november of 2015 i do not have a shunt i wanted to know if it was safe for me to fly?

Accepted Answer

Confirm therapy: How was the diagnosis of NPH confirmed, particularly if no shunt was put in place?  It would be best to understand the workup and treatment; while there haven't been specific recommendations made about normal pressure hydrocephalus and flying (commercial airlines use a peak altitude pressurized to 8000 feet) need more details; discussion with your neurosurgeon/neurologist would be important.

Question 6

age 27 yrs with hydrocephalus  had iii ventriculostomy 17 yrs ago and then had a programmable shunt 8 yrs ago, decompression surgery 5 yrs. ok to fly?

Accepted Answer

NOT A PROBLEM: Modern commercial aircraft all have pressurized cabins, set for approximately one mile, and you should not experience any issues which would directly affect brain or shunt function.  Feel free to fly, you are truly in NO danger.

Question 7

my father has obstructive hydrocephalus. the doctors want to do a vp shunt surgery. i am worried about complications that might arise and seek info!

Accepted Answer

Risks of untreated : obstructive hydrocephalus far outweigh risks of shunt placement by a qualified neurosurgeon. When a foreign body like a shunt is placed in a human body, there is risk of infection, clogging of the drain, etc., but long-standing  ^ed pressure from excess cerebrospinal fluid wears away brain tissue like water wears away a rock. www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/hydrocephalus/detail_hydrocephalus.htm

Question 8

can be vp  brain shunt surgery done by awake method ( e.g. when the patient has apart from hydrocephalus (e.g heart dis.) and anest. risk is so big?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It can be done under sedation in cooperative patient. Not sure is it the best option. Anesthesiologist and surgeon have to make decision.

Question 9

mon son had about three surgeries for treating hydrocephalus and every time the shunt gets blocked doctors say he will not walk?

Accepted Answer

Another opinion?: Have you got another opinion? If you have already done so, and this is the consensus, you may have to accept that your son will need other help. Make sure he is getting appropriate physical therapy. Many children do grow and develop well in spite of significant handicaps. Give him your love and help him to develop his special abilities.

Question 10

is non-communicating hydrocephalus terminal when the patient is not a candidate for either  shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy (etv) surgeries?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: This depends on the chronicity of the hydrocephalus. If it has taken a while to build up to this stage, then the patient may slowly compensate for it. If it has occurred acutely, then the patient will likely expire.

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Doctor answers about:

How long does it take for an adult to recover from shunt surgery for hydrocephalus

A member asked:

How long does it take for an adult to recover from shunt surgery for hydrocephalus?

A member asked:

I'm going to have shunt surgery for hydrocephalus and i'm scared?

A member asked:

Why do i need to lie down for 24 hours after hydrocephalus shunt surgery?

A member asked:

I have a ventriculoperitoneal (vp) shunt for hydrocephalus recently ive been getting stitch like pain where the tubing is in my stomach its that bad it feels like ive had the surgery again and hurts to move what is going on?

A member asked:

I have normal pressure hydrocephalus, had surgery back in november of 2015 i do not have a shunt i wanted to know if it was safe for me to fly?

A member asked:

Age 27 yrs with hydrocephalus had iii ventriculostomy 17 yrs ago and then had a programmable shunt 8 yrs ago, decompression surgery 5 yrs. ok to fly?

A member asked:

My father has obstructive hydrocephalus. the doctors want to do a vp shunt surgery. i am worried about complications that might arise and seek info!

A member asked:

Can be vp brain shunt surgery done by awake method ( e.g. when the patient has apart from hydrocephalus (e.g heart dis.) and anest. risk is so big?

A member asked:

Mon son had about three surgeries for treating hydrocephalus and every time the shunt gets blocked doctors say he will not walk?

A member asked:

Is non-communicating hydrocephalus terminal when the patient is not a candidate for either shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy (etv) surgeries?

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