The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Lumbar-peritoneal shunt
SHUNT FOR HYDROCEPHALUS
If you have excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), our expert neurosurgeons can treat you with a lumbar peritoneal shunt
What is hydrocephalus and how can it be treated?
Hydrocephalus is the name given to a build-up of fluid on the brain. If left untreated, it can exert pressure on the brain and, in some cases, develop into a serious and potentially fatal condition.
Our neurosurgeons can carry out a lumbar peritoneal shunt to drain the fluid so it doesn't pose a risk.
Need to know
A lumbar peritoneal shunt is a small device that aims to relieve pressure on the brain, caused by a build-up of fluid on the brain. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic.
Your neurosurgeon will start by making a small incision in your lower back, before inserting a shunt (thin tube) into your spinal canal. The shunt will be joined to a one-way valve and then attached to another tube that travels under the skin to the abdomen. This allows the fluid on your brain to drain into a cavity in your abdomen, where it can reabsorb into your body naturally.
Your neurosurgeon will start by making a small incision in your lower back, before inserting a shunt (thin tube) into your spinal canal. The shunt will be joined to a one-way valve and then attached to another tube that travels under the skin to the abdomen. This allows the fluid on your brain to drain into a cavity in your abdomen, where it can reabsorb into your body naturally.
Your neurosurgeon will explain your lumbar peritoneal shunt procedure to you and answer any questions you might have.
As you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery. You may also be asked to attend a nurse led pre-assessment clinic.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
After your lumbar peritoneal shunt, you'll be transferred to our recovery ward, where you’ll be looked after by a specialist team. Your neurosurgeon will explain your recovery time to you and when you can expect to get back to your usual routine.
Andrew's story
Andrew shares his experience of undergoing shunt surgery for hydrocephalus and he was booked in for his operation at The Wellington Hospital on 11th October 2021.
Mr Neil Dorward performed the surgery and Andrew made a rapid recovery. Two days after the operation, he was walking around the ward unaided and was able to go home.
Our Lumbar-peritoneal shunt locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.