What is this disease?

• Hydrocephalus is defined as excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulation in the head caused by a disturbance of formation, flow, or absorption. Although there are several causes of infantile hydrocephalus, the condition is most associated with the congenital anomalies neural tube defect/spina bifida and aqueductal stenosis.

How it is diagnosed?

• Antenatal scans, clinical examination, USG after birth, MRI are useful in diagnosis. There may be weakness of lower limbs and urological problems.

How it is treated?

• Surgical repair of neural tube defect and drainage of CSF (VP shunt/endoscopic third ventriculostomy-ETV) are treatment options. In neonates, VP shunt is commonly done for hydrocephalus.

When it should be operated?

• The surgery depends upon clinical situation and associated anomalies of the child and treating team decided about optimal time of surgery.

Are there other alternative methods of treatment?

• In indicated cases, surgery is the treatment option.

What all I need to know before my child surgery?

• Read “All you need to know before your child’s surgery” information booklet in website.

How is the surgery done?

• The VP shunt is a tube which drains water from brain to abdomen and is placed surgically. It lies under the skin and is commonly lie there life long. The shunt are of two types- Programmable (Meditronic) and non-Programmable(Surgiwear).

Remarks

• For more details of surgery, contact your surgeon.

Related Photographs and videos

• Few photographs of steps done by me is given here for learning purposes