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Treatment of hydrocephalus is surgical. Medical management has been attempted in the past with acetazolamide (Diamox) which suppresses cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production but this is not curative.
The aims of surgical intervention is to bypass the flow of CSF around the obstruction. A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt is most commonly used with a thin silastic tubing being tunnelled under the skin from the brain to the abdomen allowing CSF to flow from the ventricle direct into the abdominal cavity where it is reabsorbed. Rarely a lumbo peritoneal or a ventriculo-atrial shunt is used however the principle remains the same, to bypass the blockage of CSF flow and decrease intracranial pressure.
Occasionally a temporary diversion called an external ventricular drain is inserted into the ventricle and tunnelled out to drain into an external drainage bag. Once a shunt is inserted it is remains in place for life. Potential risks of shunts include blockage or infection. In both instances patients may exhibit the same signs and symptoms which led to initial presentation.
If either blockage or infection occurs the shunt will need to be revised which could be as simple as changing part of the shunt or could require a complete replacement of the shunt system.
The risks of this operation includes the following. A detailed discussion with your surgeon is recommended prior to surgery.
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