Best Doctor List Near You for Csf Shunt Surgery in Wellington

CSF shunt surgery is a procedure to treat hydrocephalus, a condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain's ventricles, causing increased intracranial pressure and potentially damaging brain tissues. The surgery involves placing a shunt, a flexible tube, in the brain's ventricles to divert excess CSF to another part of the body, such as the abdomen (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) or the heart (ventriculoatrial shunt), where it can be absorbed. This helps alleviate pressure on the brain, reducing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, balance problems, and cognitive difficulties. The causes of hydrocephalus can vary and may include congenital abnormalities, such as aqueductal stenosis, brain infections like meningitis, head injuries, brain tumors, or bleeding in the brain. Shunt surgery is often considered when other treatments, such as medications or endoscopic procedures, are not suitable or have failed to control the condition. While CSF shunt surgery can be life-saving and improve quality of life, it is associated with several potential complications. These include shunt malfunction or blockage, which can lead to a recurrence of symptoms, infection, over-drainage or under-drainage of CSF, and bleeding or damage to brain tissues during surgery. Shunt infections can lead to fever, irritability, and abdominal pain if the shunt drains into the abdomen. Long-term management of a shunt often requires regular monitoring and potentially additional surgeries to replace or adjust the shunt system. Patients with shunts must be vigilant for any changes in symptoms, as timely intervention is crucial to prevent serious complications.