What is postoperative care for a VP shunt?

Do not touch the valve on your head. It is okay for you to lie on the side of your head with the shunt. For 6 weeks, do not do any activity that may cause you to hit your head. You will probably be able to return to work in less than 1 week.

What should I monitor after VP shunt surgery?

Recovery from a VP shunt placement takes three to four days. Most people can leave the hospital within seven days after the procedure. During your hospitalization, the hospital staff will monitor your heart rate and blood pressure, and your doctor will administer preventive antibiotics.

What are shunt precautions?

After a shunt is placed, special precautions and care are needed to help your child avoid infection or complications. When caring for your child’s shunt: Do not soak the incision/wound in water for 6 weeks after surgery. Do not submerge the wound under water until your child’s provider says it is okay to do so.

What activities can you not do with a VP shunt?

However, people with LP shunts should avoid any activity which involves twisting at the waist, as this can dislodge the shunt.

• Martial arts. Any activity that involves being grabbed around the neck is not advised, as the shunt tubing in the neck can crack.
• Rugby.
• Gymnastics and dance.
• Water sports.
• Golf.
• Other activities.

What is the most common complication of VP shunt?

Obstruction is the most common cause of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) malfunction. Infection is the second most common cause of VPS malfunction, which is more common in children. Pseudocyst is a late complication of VPS, which may present as abdominal pain and a palpable mass.

How long are you in the hospital after shunt surgery?

About the Shunt Operation The actual surgical procedure to implant a shunt typically requires about an hour in the operating room. Afterward, you will be carefully observed for 24 hours. Your stay in the hospital will generally be for two to four days total.

What are the major complications of VP shunt?

VP shunt complications include peritonitis, inguinal hernia, perforation of abdominal organs, intestinal obstruction, volvulus, and CSF ascites. Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt complications include septicemia, shunt embolus, endocarditis, and pulmonary hypertension.

When can I shower after shunt surgery?

You may shower or bathe within 24 hours after surgery, however do not get your incision(s) wet until 4 days after surgery. We recommend that you shower with someone in the bathroom to assist you. Wash, do not scrub your incision.

What should I watch after shunt surgery?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: You feel new bumps on your head 3 to 5 days after surgery or the bumps get bigger after 2 weeks. There is redness or swelling along the shunt. You have trouble thinking clearly.

What are the symptoms of VP shunt malfunction?

What Are Signs of Shunt Malfunction?

• Headaches.
• Vomiting.
• Lethargy (sleepiness)
• Irritability.
• Swelling or redness along the shunt tract.
• Decreased school performance.
• Periods of confusion.
• Seizures.

How often should a VP shunt be checked?

All younger patients with a shunt should probably be encouraged to seek a neurosurgical check up at least every three years, ideally at a dedicated hydrocephalus follow up clinic.

What are the side effects of a VP shunt?

Some of the most common risks of CSF shunts include infection, shunt malfunction, and improper drainage. Infection from a shunt may produce symptoms such as a low-grade fever, soreness of the neck or shoulder muscles, and redness or tenderness along the shunt tract.

What are the side effects of having a shunt?

Shunt infection

• redness and tenderness along the line of the shunt.
• a high temperature.
• headache.
• vomiting.
• neck stiffness.
• tummy pain if the shunt drains into your tummy.
• irritability or sleepiness in babies.

What are the signs of shunt malfunction?

How often should a shunt be checked?