Complications Blockage of the shunt may occur occasionally due to twisting or break at the connections. These need immediate rectification by a small surgery.

Blockage can occur even later with waste products especially in case of hemorrhage or meningitis. Sometimes in a growing child the tube may slide out of the peritoneal cavity, due to an increase in the child’s height. All these can be surgically corrected. Infection of the shunt can occur, as with any implant in the body and should be watched for by observing fever, redness or swelling over the shunt tube or a wound discharge. An infected shunt needs to be removed.

Symptoms of blocked shunt
The symptoms of shunt blockage are related to raised pressure in the brain. The child who was all right may start vomiting and appear drowsy (sleepy). These symptoms may be accompanied by fever. Whenever a blocked shunt is suspected, you must seek urgent medical help.

Effects of hydrocephalus
In most cases the shunting procedure successfully controls hydrocephalus. Many children will have normal intelligence and development. They may be slow in learning or acquiring coordination.

Blockages, infection and developmental delays require that the family be aware of these problems and actively participate in observation and care of the child.

How long is the shunt tube kept?
The shunt tube, unless blocked or infected by itself causes no problem and can be kept in place for years. Only if the surgeon is convinced that it is safe to remove the shunt, it may be removed. In many cases the tube is kept for a lifetime without causing any problems.


Last updated on 09-10-2001