Shunt Removal

Patients who had VP (Ventriculoperitoneal shunts) shunts placed for various reasons can sometimes outgrow their need for a shunt.

In candidate patients, this can be considered after a number of tests are performed including high-resolution MRI imaging, shunt reprogramming (up to “off” setting when possible), shunt ligation (when necessary) and potentially endoscopic fenestration of cysts or ETV procedures.

Once the shunt has been proven to be unnecessary, it can be removed – typically as an outpatient procedure. Careful long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate for recurrence of hydrocephalus requiring shunt replacement.