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Surgery and Hospitalization
The surgical procedure is carried out under sterile conditions in the operating room. Although the operation is relatively short, careful preparation for the surgery adds extra time. In order to help prevent infection, some of the hair on the head may need to be shaved. The head and body are washed with special soap. Sterile linen is used to cover the patient and to maintain the sterile environment throughout the surgery.
A small incision (cut) is made in the scalp (the skin covering the head). A small hole is then made in the skull. A tiny opening is made in the dura (the protective covering of the brain). These openings are made to accommodate the ventricular catheter (proximal catheter) placed into the CSF-filled lateral ventricle. The neurosurgeon then makes two or three small incisions in order to place the shunt valve (usually above or behind the ear). The peritoneal or atrial catheter (distal catheter) is tunneled under the skin to the abdominal or neck incision. Finally, the end of the catheter is carefully placed either in the peritoneal cavity or in a vein of the neck leading to the atrium of the heart. Following the operation, small sterile bandages are applied to each incision.
Immediately after surgery, the patient will go to the post-anesthesia care unit. The patient will remain there for close observation for about an hour and then go to his/her room. The length of hospitalization varies from patient to patient. Most patients leave the hospital within two to seven days, depending on their clinical progress.
Although this is the usual procedure when a shunt is placed, each patient may have a slightly different experience based upon the neurosurgeon, hospital, and the need to individualize the care for the patient. |
