VP Shunting: A Lifesaving Procedure for Hydrocephalus

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunting is a surgical procedure that is performed in the conditions of high-pressure fluid in the brain to drain the excess fluid into the abdominal cavity. The fluid is present around the brain and spinal cord which is present in normal quantities in normal conditions. But in abnormal conditions of the brain like hydrocephalus, the fluid becomes in excess quantity and may damage the brain tissues. To avoid this brain tissue damage, VP shunting is performed in which a thin tube is used to drain the extra fluid. One end of this tube is placed inside the ventricles of the brain where excess fluid is present and the other end is placed in the peritoneal cavity in the abdominal area where the stomach is present. This shunting tube drains excess fluid in the abdominal cavity and prevents damage to brain tissue.

Types of Shunt Surgeries for Hydrocephalus

Includes VP, LP, and programmable shunts to manage excess CSF in the brain.

The cost of VP Shunting Surgery Treatment in India ranges from ₹ 3,14,000 to ₹ 3,85,000. The overall cost of the procedure can be different for each patient according to their unique condition.

Types of VP Shunting Surgery Treatment India

Some of the types of VP shunting are as follows:

Standard VP Shunt
Adjustable VP Shunt
Programmable VP Shunt
Anti-Siphon Device VP Shunt
Gravity-Assisted VP Shunt
Ventriculoatrial (VA) Shunt

Standard VP Shunt

This is the most common type of VP shunt. It typically consists of a tube that is placed into one of the cavities of the brain which is then connected to another catheter or tube that is tunneled under the skin to reach the cavity in the abdominal area. The valve regulates the flow of fluid in the brain to maintain normal pressure.

Adjustable VP Shunt

Some VP shunts have adjustable valves. These valves can be externally adjusted non-invasively to regulate the flow of fluid as needed. It can be beneficial in managing changes in the condition of a patient without the need for additional surgeries.

Programmable VP Shunt

Programmable shunts have a valve that can be adjusted externally just like the adjustable shunts. However, these shunts allow for more accurate adjustments and are often used for patients who require changes in the drainage of fluid.

Anti-Siphon Device VP Shunt

Anti-siphon devices are used in some VP shunts to prevent over-drainage of the fluid from the brain when the patient is in an upright position. This helps to maintain a more stable pressure inside the brain.

Gravity-Assisted VP Shunt

In this type of shunt, the flow of fluid is adjusted by the effect of gravity. It may not have a valve mechanism and relies on the difference in height between the ventricular tube and the abdominal tube to control the drainage of fluid.

Ventriculoatrial (VA) Shunt

In some cases, a VP shunt may be used to drain fluid into the chamber of the heart instead of the peritoneal cavity. This is usually done when abdominal absorption is compromised or is not suitable for a patient.

Procedure of VP Shunting

The general overview of the procedure of VP Shunting is described below:

Anesthesia: Anesthesia is administered to reduce the feeling of pain and discomfort during the surgical procedure of VP Shunting.
Incision: The surgeon makes an incision on the scalp under the effect of anesthesia to access the area where the shunt has to be placed.
Burr Hole: A small hole is made into the bone of the skull which is known as a burr hole. It helps to access the cavities inside the brain.
Ventricular Catheter Placement: The surgeon inserts a thin tube into the cavity of the brain through the burr hole. The tube is then tunneled under the skin from behind the ear to the neck and then to the chest area.
Valve Placement: In some cases, an adjustable or programmable valve is placed with a tube. This valve helps to regulate the flow of fluid from the brain.
Abdominal Incision: A second incision is made in the abdominal area. The surgeon placed a tube inside the abdominal cavity through which the fluid was drained into this cavity.
Connection: The ventricular tube and peritoneal tube are connected to complete the shunt circuit.
Closure: The incisions on the scalp and abdomen are closed with the help of sutures and medications are applied to prevent any infection.

Cost of VP Shunting Surgery in India

The cost of VP Shunting Surgery Treatment in India ranges from ₹ 3,14,000 to ₹ 3,85,000. The cost can vary according to the type of shunting device used in the surgery. The cost can also vary according to the complication of each patient and the skills of a surgeon.

VP Shunting Surgery Costs in Different Cities of India

VP Shunting-Progammable Device : ₹ 3,14,000 - ₹ 3,85,000

VP Shunting : ₹ 2,30,000 - ₹ 3,50,000

Indications of VP Shunting

Some of the conditions in which VP shunting surgery is performed are as follows:

Brain Water Buildup (Hydrocephalus)
High Brain Pressure (Intracranial Hypertension)
Memory Problems with Fluid Buildup (Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus)
Headache and Eye Problems
Brain Malformation
Memory Loss with Fluid Issue
Brain Fluid Buildup After Injury
Birth Brain Fluid Problem
Brain Fluid Issue with Tumors

Risk Factors of VP Shunting

Some of the risk factors that are associated with VP Shunting are as follows:

Infection

There is a risk of infection at the surgical site or along the tube of the shunt. It can occur late after the surgery.

Obstruction or Blockage

Sometimes, the shunt system can become blocked. This complication may require additional surgeries to remove the blockage.

Over-Drainage

In some cases, the fluid in the brain may be drained in large quantities which can lead to low pressure inside the brain. This can create many issues inside the brain.