| Hydrocephalus and treatment: Shunts and endoscopic third ventriculostomy | 858.000000000000 | Hydrocephalus and treatment: Shunts and endoscopic third ventriculostomy | Hydrocephalus and treatment: Shunts and endoscopic third ventriculostomy | H | English | Neurology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Brain | Brain | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2009-04-02T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 7.40000000000000 | 68.2000000000000 | 2363.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid around the brain. Read about two surgical treatments for hydrocephalus; shunts and endoscopic third ventriculostomy. </p> | <h2>What is hydrocephalus?</h2><p>Hydrocephalus is an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles inside the brain. The ventricles are fluid-filled spaces in the brain. CSF is a clear, colourless fluid that looks like water and contains small amounts of salt, sugar and cells.</p>
<figure class="asset-c-80">
<span class="asset-image-title">Hydrocephalus</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Hydrocephalus_static_MED_ILL_EN.png" alt="Baby with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outside of brain and baby with accumulation of CSF in the ventricles" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">CSF circulates in the ventricles inside the brain, to the outside of the brain, and around the spinal cord. If CSF flow becomes blocked, it builds up in the ventricles and presses against the brain. This is called hydrocephalus.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>CSF is constantly produced in the ventricles. It moves around the brain and spinal cord, is absorbed and is then replaced by new CSF. Some of the functions of CSF are:</p><ul><li>to protect the brain and spinal cord from injury</li><li>to nourish brain cells, which helps with brain functioning</li><li>to carry waste products from brain cells away</li></ul><p>CSF moves around the brain and spinal cord on a specific pathway. When too much CSF gets trapped anywhere along this pathway, it can expand the ventricles and put pressure on the brain. This condition is called hydrocephalus.</p><p>There are two types of hydrocephalus:</p><ul><li>Communicating hydrocephalus is the build-up of pressure from too much CSF that is not being properly absorbed.</li><li>Non-communicating hydrocephalus is the build-up of pressure from CSF when a blockage occurs within the brain. Some causes of non-communicating hydrocephalus may be a tumour, a blood clot, or a narrowing of part of the CSF pathway found at birth.</li></ul><p>A person born with hydrocephalus is said to have congenital hydrocephalus. Those who develop it later in life are said to have acquired hydrocephalus.<br></p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Hydrocephalus is an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles inside the brain. </li>
<li>Hydrocephalus is treated with surgery (an operation) to put in a shunt or create an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). </li>
<li>If you see any signs that the shunt or ETV is not working properly, call 911 or emergency services right away. Your child needs medical attention. </li>
</ul> | | <h2>Signs of hydrocephalus</h2>
<p>To find out if your child has hydrocephalus, the doctor will assess your child and do some tests.</p>
<h3>Signs of hydrocephalus in a baby</h3>
<p>Your baby may have some or all of the following symptoms:</p>
<ul>
<li>poor feeding </li>
<li>vomiting (throwing up) </li>
<li>sleepy (hard to wake up) or not as awake or alert as usual </li>
<li>large head (your family doctor can measure this) </li>
<li>bulging soft spot (fontanelle) on the top of the head </li>
<li>seeming irritable (cries easily or without reason) </li>
<li>seizures </li>
<li>very noticeable scalp veins </li>
<li>slowness at reaching milestones (for example, slow to roll over, slow to sit) </li>
<li>"sunset" eyes, when the eyes appear to be always looking down and are not able to look up </li>
</ul>
<h3>Signs of hydrocephalus in a child</h3>
<p>Your child may have some or all of the following symptoms:</p>
<ul>
<li>headaches </li>
<li>nausea and vomiting </li>
<li>tired (sleeping more than usual, difficult to wake up, does not want to play as usual) </li>
<li>seeming irritable </li>
<li>changes in personality, behaviour or school performance </li>
<li>loss of coordination </li>
<li>seizures </li>
<li>changes in vision </li>
</ul> | | | <h2>Hydrocephalus is diagnosed with CT scan, MRI or ultrasound</h2>
<p>Hydrocephalus is often diagnosed with imaging tests. These tests include CT scan, MRI and ultrasound. These technologies give doctors different views of what is going on inside the brain. These imaging tests may reveal a blockage or a build-up of CSF. </p>
<p>Using MRI and ultrasound, hydrocephalus is sometimes diagnosed before a child is born.</p>
<p>Because CT scans and MRI require a person to be still while the pictures are being taken, some children need to be given sedation medicine to help them keep still during the tests.</p> | <h2>Hydrocephalus is treated with surgery</h2><p>There are no effective medicines for hydrocephalus. Most children require surgery. The goal is to lessen the pressure in the brain by providing another pathway for CSF to be drained and absorbed away from the brain. </p><p>There are two types of surgery for hydrocephalus:</p><ul><li>The most common treatment is the insertion of a shunt. The shunt works by moving fluid from an area where there is too much CSF to an area where it can be absorbed into the body. </li><li>Some children with non-communicating hydrocephalus can have surgery called an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). This surgery creates an opening to allow CSF to flow in and around the brain as it should. </li></ul><p>Both these surgeries are described in detail below.</p><h2>Shunt surgery</h2><p>The most common treatment of hydrocephalus is the surgical placement of a shunt. A shunt is a soft, flexible tube.</p><p>The top end of the shunt is placed in the ventricle fluid spaces inside the brain. This tube is attached to a valve that controls the flow of CSF through the shunt. The tube is then tunnelled below the skin to an area of the body where the fluid can be absorbed. One area is the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). This is called a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VP shunt). </p><p>Less often, the shunt is connected from the brain to other parts of the body:</p><ul><li>A shunt from the brain to the lining around the lung (pleural space) inside the chest is called a ventriculo-pleural shunt. </li><li>A shunt from the brain to veins draining into the heart is called a ventriculo-atrial shunt. </li></ul>
<figure>
<span class="asset-image-title">Shunt</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Shunt_MED_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="A shunt through the ventricles in the brain and the abdominal cavity of a boy" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">A shunt is placed in one of the ventricles of the brain. It is threaded under the skin into the abdomen. The shunt drains cerebrospinal fluid into the abdomen where it is reabsorbed by the body.</figcaption> </figure>
<h3>There are different types of shunt tubes and valves</h3><p>Your child's neurosurgeon will decide what type of shunt tube is best for your child. All shunts will only allow CSF flow in one direction. Some shunts may also have a small bubble or "reservoir" near the top that the doctor can use to take samples of CSF for testing. </p><p>Sometimes a special type of shunt is needed where the pressure setting is adjustable. This is called a programmable shunt valve. This allows the surgeon to program the shunt to control how much CSF is draining. It is important to remember that the pressure setting of this shunt can be changed by a magnet. MRI scans use large magnets, so if your child needs an MRI you must make sure to tell the doctor first about the shunt. An X-ray may need to be taken after the MRI to make sure that the pressure setting has not been changed. </p><h3>During the shunt operation</h3><p>Your child is brought down to the operating room and goes to sleep under general anesthesia. Your child will not feel any pain during the operation. </p><p>The area from the head to the abdomen (belly) is scrubbed with a special soap. The surgeon makes incisions (cuts) on the head and abdomen. The shunt tubing is tunnelled just below the skin. The ventricular (top) end of the shunt is passed through a small hole in the skull made by the surgeon and gently passed into the ventricle. The abdominal (bottom) end is passed through a small opening in the abdomen. The incisions are then closed using staples or stitches. </p><p>The operation takes between one and two hours.</p><h2>Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) surgery</h2><p>An endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is the second type of surgery done on some children who have hydrocephalus. Your surgeon will tell you if this surgery is possible for your child. </p><p>During an ETV, the surgeon makes an opening in the floor of the ventricle at the base of the brain. The CSF is then no longer blocked inside the ventricle. Now it can flow in and around the brain as it should. </p><p>This means that the child will not need a shunt, but instead will rely on the opening made by the surgeon during surgery. It is still very important to watch your child for signs that the pressure is building up again, as it is possible that the ETV could fail or become blocked. If any signs come back, it is very important to call your surgeon right away so that your child can be checked. </p><h3>During the ETV operation</h3><p>Your child is brought down to the operating room and is put asleep under general anesthesia. Your child will not feel any pain during the operation. An incision is made on the head. A special scope with a camera on it is passed into the ventricle. The surgeon uses the camera to see the part of the ventricle that needs to be opened up. Once the opening is made, the surgeon will be able to see if the CSF is now flowing outside of the ventricle. </p><p>If the surgeon is not able to safely do the ETV, a shunt will be inserted instead. The incisions are then closed using staples or stitches. </p><p>The operation takes between one and two hours.</p><h2>After the shunt or ETV operation</h2><p>Your child is then taken to the Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) recovery room. Your child will wake up soon after the operation. You will be able to see your child as soon as he wakes up. Your child will spend about one to two hours in the PACU to recover from the anesthetic. Then your child will be returned to his room in the neurosurgical unit. </p><p>Your child will have a bandage on the head. If your child received a shunt, they will have another bandage on the abdomen or chest, depending on the type of shunt. </p><p>The nurse will check your child often. They will also be checking to see how easily your child wakes up, even at night.</p><p>Your child will have an intravenous (IV) line after surgery until they are drinking well.</p><p>Your child may have a CT scan after surgery to make sure the ventricles have decreased in size and, if your child needed a shunt, that the shunt is in a good position. </p><h3>Pain after the operation</h3><p>After the operation, your child may have pain at the operative sites. The nurse will give your child medicine by mouth about every four hours. This should control the pain. If it does not control the pain, speak to your child's nurse. </p><p>Your child may also learn other ways to control pain, such as blowing bubbles or relaxation breathing. As your nurse or child life specialist to help you and your child learn how to do this. </p><p>Your child's surgeon will tell you when your child can start normal activity, such as sitting up and walking. After your child has recovered from the surgery, they can go home. </p> | | | | <h2>Going home after the operation</h2>
<p>The shunt may stop working properly after you go home. Sometimes the tube can become blocked, come apart, or break. Or your child may grow taller so that the tube moves out of the abdomen. Or it may become infected. </p>
<p>Similarly, an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) does not guarantee your child's hydrocephalus will never come back. If you notice any signs of hydrocephalus coming back, it is very important to call your surgeon right away. </p>
<h3>If the shunt or ETV is not working properly, call for medical help right away</h3>
<p>Your child needs medical attention right away if you see any signs or symptoms of a shunt problem or a failed ETV.</p>
<p>If your child's shunt or ETV is not working properly, the pressure will return to the brain. Signs that the shunt or ETV is not working are the same as the signs of hydrocephalus, listed above. Your child may have the same signs as before their shunt was put in, or there may be new signs. </p>
<p>Signs of a shunt infection include the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>puffiness or redness of the skin around the tube and at incision (cut) sites</li>
<li>a fever </li>
<li>a stiff neck </li>
<li>fluid coming out of the incision </li>
<li>loss of appetite or not eating well </li>
<li>generally feeling sick </li>
<li>headache </li>
<li>abdominal (belly) pain </li>
</ul>
<p>If your child has any of these symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency services right away. Shunt malfunctions, infections and failed ETVs that are not treated promptly and appropriately can lead to coma and possibly death. </p>
<p>To learn more about how these problems are treated, please see <a href="/Article?contentid=954&language=English">Shunt Infections</a> and <a href="/Article?contentid=955&language=English">Shunt Revisions</a>.</p>
<h3>Removing staples or sutures</h3>
<p>How your child's staples or stitches are taken out depends on the type of staple or stitch that was used. Your surgeon or nurse will tell you what type of stitches were used. </p>
<ul>
<li>If your child has staples or stitches that need to be taken out, your family doctor will need to do this. The stitches should be taken out about seven to 10 days after the operation. Staples should be removed about 10 days after the operation. Your surgeon or nurse will tell you when they need to come out. </li>
<li>If staples were used, you will be given a special remover to take to your family doctor. </li>
<li>If your child has the kind of stitches that dissolve on their own, you can see your family doctor to have the incision line checked, but the stitches will not need to be taken out. </li>
</ul> | <h2>Following up after the operation</h2>
<p>Your surgeon will need to see your child for a follow-up clinic visit about six weeks after you go home. The appointment may be made for you when your child leaves the hospital. If not, call the neurosurgery clinic to make an appointment yourself. </p>
<h2>If you have any questions</h2>
<p>Any medical questions you may have can be answered by your surgeon. Be sure to write down your questions before you meet the surgeon. Other questions can be answered by your nurse or by a nurse practitioner. </p>
<p>Your child's neurosurgeon is:</p>
<p>Your child's nurse practitioner is:</p>
<p>Their telephone number is:</p>
<h2>Longer-term: as your child grows to adulthood</h2>
<p>A child with hydrocephalus needs to see a doctor often to make sure the shunt or ETV is working properly and that the pressure does not begin to build up again. Several members of a team will help and guide you as your child grows and develops. You should encourage your child to become involved in this ongoing process. </p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Hydrocephalus_static_MED_ILL_EN.png | Hydrocephalus and treatment: Shunts and endoscopic third ventriculostomy | | False | | | | | | | | |
