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ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX
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A B C D E F G H I K L M O P R S T U V

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Overview Recovery Risks
Alternative Names:
Shunt - ventriculoperitoneal; VP shunt
Risks:
Risks for any anesthesia are:
  • reactions to medications
  • problems breathing
Risks for any surgery are:
  • bleeding
  • infection

Common complications of VP shunt include shunt malfunction or blockage, infection. Malfunction may be related to growth and the shunt will need to be replaced with a longer catheter. Symptoms of shunt malfunction or infection include headache, fever, drowsiness and convulsions.

As with any other brain surgery there is risk to actual brain tissue as the shunt catheter must pass through brain tissue to enter the ventricle. Thus a small but potential risk of brain tissue being damaged and resulting in a neurologic deficit exists.

Ventricles of the brain
Ventricles of the brain
Craniotomy for cerebral shunt
Craniotomy for cerebral shunt
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