Treatment: ETV & Other Procedures
Shunt externalization
Shunt externalization is the temporary conversion of a shunt to drain outside the body, often done when treating a shunt infection.
In short: Shunt externalization
- It temporarily routes shunt drainage outside the body.
- It is often part of treating a shunt infection.
- It allows CSF drainage and sampling while the infection clears.
- A new internal shunt is usually placed afterward if needed.
What it is
Shunt externalization is the temporary conversion of a shunt so that it drains to an external collection system outside the body, rather than internally. It is often done as part of treating a shunt infection.
Understanding Shunt externalization
When a shunt becomes infected, treatment typically involves removing the infected hardware and controlling the CSF in the meantime. Externalizing the shunt — disconnecting the distal end and routing drainage outside the body — allows continued CSF drainage (controlling pressure) and repeated sampling of the fluid to monitor the infection, while antibiotics are given. Once the infection has cleared, a new internal shunt is usually placed if ongoing CSF diversion is needed. Externalization is therefore a temporary, intermediate step in managing a shunt infection, bridging the period between removing the infected system and placing a new one. Understanding it helps families see how shunt infections are managed in stages.
Why it matters
Understanding shunt externalization helps families see how, during treatment of a shunt infection, drainage can be temporarily routed outside the body to control pressure and monitor the infection until a new shunt can be placed.
Common questions
What is shunt externalization?
Temporarily routing shunt drainage outside the body.
When is it done?
Often as part of treating a shunt infection.
What happens afterward?
A new internal shunt is usually placed if needed once the infection clears.
Bottom line
Shunt externalization temporarily routes drainage outside the body, often during treatment of a shunt infection, until a new shunt can be placed.
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