Treatment, Surgery & Anesthesia
Shunt
A shunt is a device that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to another part of the body to treat hydrocephalus.
In short: Shunt
- It is a common treatment for hydrocephalus.
- It diverts excess CSF to relieve pressure.
- It includes a valve to regulate flow.
- It can require revision over time.
What it is
It is a device — a system of thin tubing and a valve — that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain's ventricles to another part of the body, where it is absorbed. It is a common treatment for hydrocephalus.
Understanding Shunt
When hydrocephalus accompanies encephalocele, a shunt can relieve the pressure by diverting excess CSF, most often to the abdomen (a ventriculoperitoneal, or VP, shunt). A valve in the system regulates the flow. Shunts are effective but can sometimes malfunction or become infected over time, so families are taught the warning signs, and revision surgery is occasionally needed. An alternative for some children is an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).
Why it matters
Understanding the shunt helps families see how hydrocephalus is commonly treated, why warning signs matter (since shunts can malfunction), and that revision is sometimes part of long-term care.
Common questions
What does a shunt do?
Drains excess CSF to treat hydrocephalus.
Where does it drain to?
Most often the abdomen (a VP shunt).
Can it need revision?
Yes — shunts can sometimes malfunction or become infected.
Bottom line
A shunt drains excess CSF to treat hydrocephalus and can require revision over time.
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