Treatment of NPH: Surgery with VP Shunt Placement
If you suffer from NPH (Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus), fluid accumulates in the ventricles of your brain. You may experience symptoms such as difficulties with walking and balance, urinary problems, and cognitive impairments, such as memory issues. We offer surgery with a VP shunt, which is a drainage system that allows the fluid to flow out of the ventricles. Our experienced specialists provide a complete evaluation and surgery without waiting time as part of a combined treatment pathway lasting two to three days.
What you need to know about surgery for NPH
In NPH, fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles. A VP shunt (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) is a drainage system that allows the fluid to flow away from the brain’s ventricles.
During the operation, the VP shunt is implanted under general anaesthesia. It is placed under the skin and can be felt with the fingers.
If you suffer from NPH, you are likely to benefit from a VP shunt.
Before the treatment, you will receive an appointment letter with information about fasting, medication, shaving, and what to bring for your procedure.
During the operation, three incisions are made, resulting in three scars: one behind the hairline, one behind the ear, and one slightly above the navel.
The operation involves the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, which is a drainage system. The shunt runs from the brain’s ventricles under the skin to the abdominal cavity. To maintain an approximately natural pressure in the brain, a small resistance chamber is inserted into the tubing.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 45 minutes. While you are asleep, a narrow strip of hair is removed (usually on the right side). Three incisions are made: one behind the hairline, one behind the ear, and one just above the navel. To insert the shunt, a small pressure valve is inserted into the tubing. The wounds are then closed with sutures.
It is important that you try to get up and walk already on the same day as the surgery.
Before discharge, you will have a consultation with the nurse and the surgeon who performed your operation.
After one month, we will contact you by telephone to follow up on your progress. We may also offer you participation in research projects on NPH, which involve closer monitoring. Your participation is voluntary.
It is common to experience wound pain, but it should decrease within the first few days. You may also experience headaches initially, but these should likewise gradually diminish.
Specialists and practitioners
