Hello all, I had craniotomy to clip burst aneurysm and resulting sub-arachnoid hemorrhage in Nov 2008. Shunt used. Now, about 14 months later, I developed a bulge near the abdominal cavity incision. Abdominal x-rays done and doc now wants an abdominal ct scan done to get a better look at a possible kink in the shunt. He says the shunt may be removed. Anyone have a shunt removed?
They tell me the shunt is still doing its job. Will the brain probably start being able to absorb the fluid once the shunt is removed?
I will ask the doc these questions when I next see him but I’m curious if others have had this happening. Thanks!
Hi Laraine,
My wife, (Karen), had a VP shunt installed after her SAH and stroke back on 10/5/07. It has performed well but did need to be adjusted a few times to properly regulate the amount of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) in the brain. The CSF acts as a cushion in the brain and it is important to have a proper balance. Too much fluid removed can create headaches while too much retained increases intercranial pressure.
They make vp shunts now that are programmable using magnets. The adjustments are non-invasive and take minutes during an office visit. (Note - CT scans are safe but can alter the flow as the shunts valve operates using magnets) Our doctor has no plans of removing the shunt and did intimate it might get clogged and stop working after a period of time. He stated the shunts short term function was to properly regulate the flow while the injury healed. Long term he thought the brains absorption process should once again be sufficient to regulate flow on its own. Currently, she has no issues with her abdomen but the catheter is pliable to the touch and does seem like it could possibly get a kink in the line. I hope you are well and let us know how you make out. The information could prove very useful in the future. Take care, Rich
Hello Richard, Finally heard from my doctor after an abdominal ct scan. All looks in order so I’ll just live with the little bulge. No big deal, no pain, just curious. Thanks for you info/reply. Good luck with your wife!
Richard A. Coveney said:
Hi Laraine,
My wife, (Karen), had a VP shunt installed after her SAH and stroke back on 10/5/07. It has performed well but did need to be adjusted a few times to properly regulate the amount of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) in the brain. The CSF acts as a cushion in the brain and it is important to have a proper balance. Too much fluid removed can create headaches while too much retained increases intercranial pressure.
They make vp shunts now that are programmable using magnets. The adjustments are non-invasive and take minutes during an office visit. (Note - CT scans are safe but can alter the flow as the shunts valve operates using magnets) Our doctor has no plans of removing the shunt and did intimate it might get clogged and stop working after a period of time. He stated the shunts short term function was to properly regulate the flow while the injury healed. Long term he thought the brains absorption process should once again be sufficient to regulate flow on its own. Currently, she has no issues with her abdomen but the catheter is pliable to the touch and does seem like it could possibly get a kink in the line. I hope you are well and let us know how you make out. The information could prove very useful in the future. Take care, Rich
Hey, this is old! Closing it to posts, feel free to start a new thread