shunt removal

Posted By  CCF Neurosurgery MD on January 29, 1998 at 00:02:49:

In Reply to: shunt removal posted by Lena on January 28, 1998 at 21:28:59:

: There is a possibility that our daughter will have her shunt tied off and removed.  We understand the possible risks.  We want to know if an increase in ICP (after the shunt is tied) will resemble a shunt malfunction - headache, vomiting, lethargy.  We also are wondering how long we will have to "hold our breath" so to speak.  How common is this procedure at the Cleveland Clinic and what are the success rates?

[CCF Neurosurgery MD]

Dear Lena:
I'm not sure as to the reasons your daughter's shunt is being tie off.
Typically tying off a shunt is a very minor procedure and in some instances
can be done under local anesthesia. If hydrocephalus is to become
uncompensated, the resulting symptoms could very much mimic shunt failure.
That is a patient would develop headache, nausea, vomiting, etc...
At the Cleveland Clinic shunt procedures are done on a daily basis (I don't
have exact figures but they are done quite frequently).
It is difficult to predict how fast the symptoms will ocurr once the shunt
is tied off and this will basically depend on whether there is an
alternative route of flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
If you are in the Cleveland area and would like a second opinion, you may
reach the office of Dr. Mark Luciano (section of pediatric neurosurgery) at
[phone].
Good Luck!

[jomama7]

A related discussion, shunt removel (removal) for 23 yr.old w/hydro was started.

[jomama7]

A related discussion, can/should a shunt be removed,without "tieing off" frist to check water flow? was started.

[howbob]

A related discussion, VP Shunt - pain in shoulder and abdomen was started.