Shunt Placement/Shunt Revision

About the Surgery

What is a shunt?

A shunt is a tube placed in the fluid spaces of the brain which drains the excess fluid into another area of the body, most often the abdominal cavity, where it can be absorbed. A valve is attach to the shunt to help regulate the pressure within the fluid spaces of the brain (ventricles).

Day of the Surgery

Your surgical team will be with you every step of the way
You will be in the ICU after your surgery

After the Surgery

What is the post-op home care for Shunt Placement/Revision?

Incision Care

Wash incision daily with shampoo and water (application of antibiotic ointment not necessary unless instructed by Neurosurgery team)
You may scrub incision lightly to help prevent scab formation
No beach/pool ( 1^st month after surgery) or until cleared by Neurosurgery
Avoid direct sunlight on incision ( May wear a cap or hat to go outside)
Do not scratch incision

Activity

Keep activity level back to normal or light until you are seen in clinic
May return to school after first week post-surgery, unless not cleared by Neurosurgery
No participation in Physical Education for 1 month or until cleared by Neurosurgery

Pain control

You may take over the counter medications, which include:
- Acetaminophen every 4 hours or Motrin every 6 hrs if needed (these medications can be alternating)

Follow-up Office Visit

You will be seen in Neurosurgery office approximately 10-14 days after leaving the hospital for symptom evaluation and suture removal, if sutures are not dissolvable

When To Call

Fever greater than 101.5°F oral or axillary (between 10 days to a month post-Surgery) Highest incidence of post-surgical infection
Headaches not relieved with pain medication, and/or associated with nausea/vomiting
Increased swelling, redness or oozing from incision area or along shunt tract
Fluid or swelling around valve or shunt tract
Fontanel full and tense on infant who is upright and quiet
Infant less interested in feeding or eyes always looking down or irritability
Changes in alertness such as increased sleepiness or inability to wake up or stay awake (this symptom requires urgent attention as it can potentially lead to a coma)

Resources

Questions or Concerns?

Call us @ 305-662-8386

This page was last updated on: January 29, 2019 03:21 PM