Dr David Oehme Melbourne Neurosurgeon
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Remain Active With Your Shunt

Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt (VP Shunt) Insertion

Information about Surgery for Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a condition that develops when excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up within the ventricles of the brain
Hydrocephalus is a condition that develops when excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up within the ventricles of the brain. Sometimes hydrocephalus is treated by insertion of a VP shunt to drain the excess brain fluid (CSF) from the brain to the abdomen. During this surgical procedure, a small drainage tube is implanted.   The tube is beneath the skin and is not visible.  
For more information about insertion of VP shunt watch the video below.  


Risks of Surgery to Insert a VP Shunt


​Most operations for hydrocephalus
 can be performed safely without any complications.  However, like any surgical procedure there are risks associated with both the anaesthetic and the procedure itself.  

Risks of Anaesthesia

Risks of anaesthesia will be discussed with you by your anaesthetist prior to surgery.  It is important that you inform us of your correct age and any past medical problems, as this can influence the risk of anaesthesia.  Risks include:

  • Heart problems, such as heart attack (AMI) or arrhythmia  
  • Lung problems,  such as infection (pneumonia) or blood clots
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Eye or visual problems
  • Pressure wounds
  • Stroke
  • Small risk of significant life-threatening event

General Risks of Cranial Surgery

Although surgery for insertion of a VP shunt is generally safe, there are some risks whenever performing an operation on the brain These include:

  • Infection 1-2%
  • Seizures which can require taking medication.  Rarely this can lead to epilepsy requiring longterm medication. 
  • Bleeding.  This can occur at the time of surgery and may necessitate a blood transfusion.  It can also occur at some time after surgery.   The bleeding may be present in the brain or adjacent to it.  Sometimes another operation is required to drain the bloodclot and stop the bleeding.  
  • Stroke
  • Brain fluid leak (CSF leak)
  • Small risk of significant neurological injury causing paralysis, coma or death.  

Specific Risks of VP Shunt

The specific risks will be discussed in detail prior to your surgery but may include:

  • Blockage of the shunt
  • Shunt malfunction or breakage
  • Incorrect shunt position
  • Weakness or numbness in the limbs 
  • Balance or gait problems
  • Paralysis (stroke like symptoms)
  • Speech problems
  • Visual problems
  • CSF leak and collection under the wound
  • Persistant symptoms
  • Headaches no better
  • Recurrence of symptoms
  • Lung, liver or abdominal injury
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek an opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
All enquiries 1800 DO SPINE (1800 367 746). 
​Copyright Dr David Oehme 2021 ©. 


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Website by ​Dr David Oehme 
  • Home
  • About
    • Mr David Oehme >
      • CV
      • Awards & Prizes
      • Research
    • Mr Andrew Gogos
    • News
    • FAQS
    • Privacy Statement
  • TELEHEALTH
  • Patient Info
    • Brain Surgery >
      • Brain Conditions Treated >
        • Arachnoid Cyst
        • Brain Tumours >
          • Glioma & Glioblastoma
          • Meningioma
          • Metastatic Brain Tumours
        • Chiari Malformation
        • Concussion
        • Hydrocephalus
        • Trigeminal Neuralgia
      • Brain Surgeries Performed >
        • Craniotomy
        • Craniotomy for Meningioma
        • Craniotomy for Subdural Haematoma
        • Craniotomy for Tumour
        • Foramen Magnum Decompression for Chiari
        • Microvascular Decompression
        • VP Shunt
      • FAQS about Brain Surgery
    • Spine Surgery >
      • Spine Conditions Treated >
        • Back Pain
        • Cervical Myelopathy
        • Cervical Disc Herniation & Brachialgia
        • Degenerative Disc Disease
        • Neck Pain
        • Sciatica & Disc Herniation
        • Spinal Stenosis & Spondylosis (Lumbar)
        • Spine & Disc Anatomy
        • Spondylolisthesis
      • Spine Surgeries & Procedures >
        • ACDF
        • Cervical Disc Replacement
        • Laminectomy (Cervical)
        • Laminectomy (Lumbar)
        • Lumbar Decompression (MIS)
        • Microdiscectomy (MIS)
        • Spinal Fusion >
          • ALIF (MIS)
          • PLIF (MIS)
          • TLIF (MIS)
          • XLIF (MIS)
        • Nerve Root Injection
        • Epidural Spine Injection
        • Facet Joint Injection
      • FAQs About Spine Surgery
    • Peripheral Nerve Surgery >
      • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
      • Ulnar Neuropathy
    • Patient Videos
    • Staff >
      • Anaesthetists
    • MRI - Secure Remote Upload
    • FAQS
  • Patient Videos
  • For Doctors
    • Refer a patient
    • Online Referrals
    • Services
    • FAQS
    • Emergency Info
  • Locations
  • Contact