A ventriculoperitoneal shunt treats hydrocephalus, in which excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain's cavities and raises pressure. The shunt is a thin tube with a valve that drains fluid from the brain to the abdominal cavity, where the body absorbs it.

Before surgery, a CT or MRI confirms the enlarged fluid spaces, and the doctor looks for the cause, such as infection, bleeding, a tumour or a developmental condition. The operation is done under general anaesthesia. One small incision is made on the scalp and another on the abdomen, and the tube is passed under the skin between them. The valve regulates the flow of fluid.

Patients are watched for several days, and a scan checks the position of the tube. A shunt is usually long-term. Families are taught the signs of blockage or infection, and regular follow-up is needed, especially in children as they grow.

How the Procedure Can Help

A working shunt lowers pressure in the brain, relieves headache, vomiting and drowsiness and helps protect brain function. In infants, it also controls abnormal head enlargement.

Risks and Considerations

Shunts can block, become infected, drain too much or too little fluid or need revision over time. Headache, vomiting, drowsiness, fever, redness or swelling along the tube, or a return of earlier symptoms all need urgent medical attention.