Gone are the days when the idea of getting a “brain surgery” would scare people. We at GoMedii host a number of patients who travel across lands to come to India for brain surgeries as Brain Shunt Surgery in adults. GoMedii services stand apart when it comes to serving the patients.

From interpreters to relationship managers, our patients enjoy the best of care and maintenance. Here is an insight into the brief of what kind of procedures and treatment pointers, you should be aware of. To get any further information regarding any treatment in India, choose GoMedii by signing up with us on our website.

What is Brain Shunt Surgery?

You might have heard, Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt when you searched for the Brain shunt surgery in India. To clear your doubts, the two are the same and you should not think otherwise. Brain shunt surgery has become very common in India, as there have been a number of domestic as well as international patients reaching us out for the treatment. Hence, knowing about the surgery and the treatment becomes very important.

The ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery in adults is used for the treatment of hydrocephalus. This type of medical condition is characterized by an excessive collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles.

CSF is responsible for protecting your brain by cushioning from any kind of injury. During shunt surgery, a narrow tube is inserted inside the brain into the fluid-filled ventricle. When one is working on the procedures of shunt tubing it is to help relieve the patient from pressure on the brain caused due to hydrocephalus.

Shunting, according to medical terminology, means removing body fluid from one part to the other. It involves the use of a catheter that helps to carry cerebrospinal fluid from one ventricle to other areas of the body.

What is CSF?

CSF is the cerebrospinal fluid that helps to circulate the nutrition through your body. It is also responsible for the cushioning of your brain. It helps you get saved from the injuries that the brain faces due to any reason.

When this normal flow is disrupted, the buildup of fluid can create harmful pressure on the brain’s tissues, which can damage the brain. Doctors surgically place VP shunts inside one of the brain’s ventricles to divert fluid away from the brain and restore normal flow and absorption of CSF.

Is hydrocephalus a serious issue?

We must tell you that anything however minute about the brain plays a great role in how your body functions might take place. Answering whether the hydrocephalus condition is serious or not depends on to what extent it has been affecting you.

Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column.

How do you know you might suffer from Hydrocephalus?

There are very common as well as specific symptoms that you can have in order to know whether or not you suffer from the condition to have Brain shunt surgery in India. In both cases, online consultation with our GoMedii doctors can help get your clarity. The most common symptoms of hydrocephalus include:

• Headache

• Fatigue (feeling more tired or weak than usual), drowsiness (not able to stay awake or focus), or both

• Nausea (feeling like you’re going to throw up) and vomiting (throwing up)

• Irritability (feeling angrier than usual)

• Problems with thinking and memory, such as confusion

• The trouble with balance and walking

• Not being able to control when you urinate (pee)

What pre-treatment arrangement must be done from your side?

Along with medical history, what important is that you tell your doctor about your daily lifestyle habits like, alcohol consumption, smoking, and one important aspect is sleep apnea. A pre-treatment appointment will be done where you will have to follow a certain procedure before the actual surgery.

During your appointment, you will meet with a nurse practitioner (NP) who works closely with anesthesiology staff (doctors and specialized nurses who will give you anesthesia during your surgery). Your NP will review your medical and surgical history with you.

You will have tests, including an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart rhythm, a chest x-ray, blood tests, and any other tests needed to plan your care. Your NP may also recommend that you see other healthcare providers.

What happens in the surgery?

The surgery takes place while you are unconscious. Once you’re asleep, the doctor will shave off some hair near the area where they will make the incision (surgical cut) on your head. Your entire head won’t be shaved.

Your doctor will make 3 small incisions: 1 in your head, 1 in your neck, and 1 in your abdomen. These incisions will help guide the catheter so it can be placed correctly. The doctor will close the incisions with stitches or staples.

You won’t be able to see the catheter because it will be under your skin. However, you may be able to feel the shunt catheter along your neck. Once all the parts of the shunt are connected, it will start draining the excess CSF as needed to reduce the pressure in your brain.

In which case do I need to have VP shunt surgery?

There is one very definite reason which we have discussed you would need a Brain shunt surgery in India, which is hydrocephalus. Apart from that, there can be others as well. Excess fluid can build up around the brain for a number of reasons, including:

• overproduction of CSF

• poor absorption of CSF by the blood vessels

• blockages preventing fluid from flowing throughout the brain

Blockages are the most common cause of hydrocephalus. Cysts, tumors, or inflammation in the brain can impede the normal flow of CSF and create an unsafe accumulation.

I can see a brain shunt?

You won’t be able to see the catheter because it will be under your skin. However, you may be able to feel the shunt catheter along your neck.

When will you get discharged after the brain shunt surgery?

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.

Can you fly if you have a shunt in your brain?

Flying in a regular commercial jet is fine for most people with shunts. If you were told years ago not to fly, it’s worth asking your neurosurgeon again as things have changed. Some people will have been told by their neurosurgeon not to fly, for specific reasons, so do check if this applies to you.

What is the recovery time?

VP shunt recovery time may vary from patient to patient. Many patients can actually leave the hospital within seven days of the procedure. At the time of hospitalization, the staff monitors the blood pressure and heart rate of the patient frequently and administer preventive antibiotics. The doctor makes sure that the shunt as fitted is working properly.

Are there any dietary restrictions?

Surgeries and treatments usually have some dietary restrictions. This is important because the body needs exactly the right kind of nutrition. Hence, one has to have some dietary restrictions.

Why must I choose GoMedii?

Taking care of all your needs and also your post-treatment care, we are the best and you will not regret choosing us. We are available for your help through our very own website. You can make us your choice and not think again.

We provide you with the best facilities across India and make your stay and your treatment a comfortable and successful one. You can choose us and leave your worries behind. For more precise information, you can submit the inquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Come to India, to experience the best.