CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt
A PROCEDURE TO ALLOW FLUID TO BE DRAINED FROM THE BRAIN, CAUSED BY A CONDITION CALLED HYDROCEPHALUS
Our neurosurgeons can carry out a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to drain excess fluid on the brain
About ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Hydrocephalus refers to a build-up of fluid on the brain. If it isn't treated, it can put pressure on the brain, developing into a serious and potentially fatal condition. Our neurosurgeons can carry out a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to drain the fluid so it doesn't pose a risk.
Need to know
A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a small device that aims to relieve pressure on the brain, caused by a build-up of fluid. Your neurosurgeon will start by making a small hole in the skull, before inserting a shunt (thin tube) into your brain.
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 will allow the fluid on your brain to drain into a cavity in your abdomen, where it can reabsorb into your body naturally.
You'll mostly likely be asked to attend an appointment with your neurosurgeon. They'll explain your shunt surgery to you, explaining any possible risks and side effects.
If a ventriculoperitoneal shunt isn't right for you, we may recommend an Endoscopic third ventriculostomy, which involves re-routing the fluid rather than draining it.
After your ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery, you'll be transferred to our recovery ward, where you'll be cared for for a few days. Your neurosurgeon or nurse specialist will let you know when you can leave and get back to your usual routine.
Our Ventriculoperitoneal shunt consultants
Mr Neil Dorward
Neurosurgery
Mr Francesco Vergani
Neurosurgery
Mr Sanjeev Bassi
Neurosurgery
Mr Nicholas Thomas
Neurosurgery
Our Ventriculoperitoneal shunt locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW 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.