VP shunts

Ventriculo-peritoneal shunts

indication for insertion

Raised ICP in context of obstruction of outflow or decreased reabsorption of Cerebrospinal fluid

investigations

Any potential shunt problem →

  • VP shunt series = AP and lateral cranial XRs, AP chest and AP abdomen
  • CT head - ventricular abnormalities, haemorrhage, infection
  • CT abdomen?

complications, i.e. presentations to ED

  • slit ventricle syndrome (over-drainage of one side)
  • kinking
  • infection
    • risk factors: gastrostomy tube, post op CSF leak, previous infections
    • usually from skin
  • displacement
  • fracture
  • disconnection
  • pleural effusion, intra-abdominal CSF pseudocyst