VP Shunts are life-saving devices used to treat a condition called hydrocephalus. The device helps in draining the excess cerebrospinal fluid into the abdomen. Hydrocephalus mainly affects children and the elderly population. If we talk about the global prevalence of the disease, it is 88 per 100,000 for the pediatric population, 11 per 100,000 for adults, and 400 per 100,000 for people aged 80 and above.
If not treated, the accumulated CSF puts pressure on the brain tissue, ultimately damaging the tissue. VP shunt surgery is a complex procedure, and you must select the best neurosurgery hospital and surgeon for the procedure. If you are confused between so many options, let us help you.
India has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for neurological procedures, including VP shunt surgery. The affordability of the procedure, without compromising on the quality of treatment, is one of the biggest reasons why people opt for India for their medical treatment. The cost of VP shunt surgery in India is INR 1,80,000 to INR 2,40,000. This cost is inclusive of consultation charges, diagnostic tests, cost of the device, OT charges, and hospital stay.
This blog aims at giving you a brief understanding of VP shunt surgery, how it is performed, costs related to the procedure, and some of the best hospitals to opt for.
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What is VP Shunt?
- A VP shunt or ventriculoperitoneal shunt, or cerebral shunt, is nothing but a medical device used to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid that puts harmful pressure on the brain tissue. The shunt is required to maintain normal pressure inside the cranial cavity.
- The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) acts as a protective agent for the brain. It also delivers nutrients to the organ and takes away waste products. Under normal circumstances, CSF flows from the ventricles to the base of the brain and spine before finally getting reabsorbed. But in hydrocephalus, this reabsorption of fluid gets affected, and the CSF gets accumulated.
- In such a disease, VP shunting is done in which a thin hollow tube is surgically placed in the brain that drains and reroutes CSF into the abdomen. This helps in restoring the normal flow and pressure of the fluid.
What is Hydrocephalus?
- Hydrocephalus is a neurological disease in which an abnormally high amount of CSF buildup is seen in the cavities of the brain (ventricles). This excess amount of fluid causes the widening of ventricles and puts harmful pressure on brain tissue.
- Hydrocephalus can affect people at any stage of life, but it is most prevalent in children and the elderly population. The condition has become the most common reason for children requiring brain surgery.
- Symptoms of hydrocephalus include seizures, excessive sleepiness, irritability, poor appetite, memory loss, impaired vision, large head size, headaches, and poor coordination.
What is the Difference Between Programmable VS. Non-Programmable VP Shunt Devices?
The amount of CSF the shunt will drain depends on the pressure setting. Typically there are two types of VP shunts, programmable VP shunts and non-programmable VP shunts.
- In non-programmable VP shunts, the neurosurgeon selects the pressure setting prior to placing it in the brain. It gets activated when the CSF reaches a certain level. Adjusting the non-programmable shunt is not possible once it is inserted.
- Programmable VP shunts have the added advantage that they can be adjusted anytime. They have an external, adjustable valve that the neurosurgeon can use to readjust the setting according to the patient's need.
How is VP Shunt Surgery Performed?
Preparation:
- The surgeon recommends a few dietary changes before the surgery. These include stopping alcohol and cigarettes, avoiding herbal medicines, and vitamin E.
- Any medical conditions, already prescribed medications, and known allergies are also discussed before surgery.
- Patients are asked to stop eating at least 8 hours prior to the surgery. Infants and toddlers are required to remain on empty stomachs for 6 hours before the surgery.
- Preoperative diagnostic tests, such as MRI scans, CT scans, X-Rays, and ECG, are done to review the patient's condition and plan the surgery accordingly.
Procedure:
- VP shunting is a 90-minute procedure performed under general anesthesia.
- The hair behind the ear is shaved, as this is the area where the catheter is placed.
- Three incisions are made, one in the head, one in the neck, and one in the belly. One catheter is placed inside the brain, and another is placed under the skin behind the ears.
- The second catheter is sent down the neck and chest into the abdomen. A pump (valve) is also attached to the catheter, which gets activated once the CSF gets accumulated to a particular level.
Recovery:
- The usual recovery period for VP shunt surgery is 3 to 4 days.
- You may leave the hospital seven days after the procedure.
- Constant monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure is done during the hospital stay.
- Antibiotics and pain medicines are prescribed for preventing infections and pain management, respectively.
- The surgeon checks the proper functioning of the shunt before allowing you to leave the hospital.
Why Choose India for VP Shunt Surgery?
India has become one of the most sought-after destinations for medical tourism, particularly for neurosurgery, including VP shunt surgery. There are various reasons for it like –
- Experienced neurosurgeons: Neurosurgeons in India are highly skilled and rich in experience.
- Advancements in technology: India has developed best-in-class medical infrastructure and keeps updating its treatment facilities.
- Affordability: The treatment cost of VP shunt surgery in India is low compared to other developed nations.
- Quality care: Despite the low-cost treatments, neurosurgery hospitals in India always strive for the safety and quality of treatment they offer.
- Air connectivity: With 35 international and 123 domestic airports, India is well-connected to other countries, making travel much more effortless.
- International standards: Some of the neurosurgery hospitals in India are accredited by JCI, which means they follow international standards of quality treatment and patient safety.
What is the Cost of the VP Shunt Procedure in India?
VP shunting is a necessary procedure to cure hydrocephalus. However, not everyone can undergo surgery due to its high costs. But India offers this surgery at very reasonable prices. VP shunt cost in India is between INR 1,86,000 to INR 2,48,000. For international patients, this cost ranges from USD 3780 to USD 4620.
The cost of surgery includes
- Preoperative diagnostic tests like MRI scans, X-Rays, CT scans
- Consultation charges
- Surgery cost
- Medicine charges
- Hospital stay
- Postoperative costs
The above-mentioned cost of VP shunt surgery can vary according to different factors like the type of hospital, type of room (private room or general ward), type of device (programmable or non-programmable), postoperative complications (if any), and total duration of the stay.
Best Hospitals for VP Shunt Surgery in India
- Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh: Established in 2010, Fortis Hospital in Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi, is a 260+ bedded super specialty hospital. The hospital has a dedicated Department of Neurology that is at the forefront of using the latest technology. It provides diagnosis and treatment for various diseases like Parkinson's, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, paralytic disorders, multiple sclerosis, and sleep disorders.
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi: Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, established in 1996, is India's first hospital accredited by JCI. Apollo Hospital is known to treat more than 300 neurological disorders like hydrocephalus, multiple sclerosis, dementia, stroke, and aneurysm. The hospital has all the latest medical technologies necessary for successful neurosurgeries like 3T MRI, 128 Slice CT, BrainLab Navigation System, and Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System.
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon: Artemis Hospital was established in 2007 and is spread over 9 acres. The hospital is known to have some of the best neurosurgeons who use modern medical technologies and provide the best medical care to patients.
- Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai: Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital has been functional for over seven decades. The neurology department offers the latest techniques for neuro surgeries, like robotic surgery and minimally invasive surgery.
- MGM Healthcare, Chennai: MGM Healthcare is a state-of-the-art super specialty hospital in Chennai with more than 250 doctors and 12 centers of excellence. Neurosurgeons in MGM Healthcare are experts in handling complex cases and providing comprehensive patient care. The hospital has more than ten operation theaters.
Takeaway
VP shunt surgery is the gold standard treatment for hydrocephalus, a condition marked by accumulation of CSF. India offers cost-effective VP shunt surgery with a high success rate. The hospitals in the country are equipped with all the latest medical technologies and have the best diagnostic facilities. Device placement surgery in India is done by highly skilled neurosurgeons who always prioritize patient safety.
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