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Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Case Study

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Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is the insertion of a catheter and valve system to divert the flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain’s ventricular system and the subarachnoid space to the peritoneal or pleural cavities or the right atrium. Cerebral spinal fluid that does not drain properly will begin to buildup in the ventricles within the brain causing pressure in the cranium. The patient needs a shunt placement surgery soon after being diagnosed with Hydrocephalus to prevent further damage to the brain. (Pocket guide page 666, Alexander page 827)
Hydrocephalus is characterized by excess production of cerebral spinal fluid or is associated with a blockage in the ventricular drainage system. This typically indicates the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting of cerebral spinal …show more content…
Before the patient leaves the operating room, patency of the shunt must be verified. Patient and staff need to be vigilant for infection that might occur after surgery proximal to incision site. Symptoms of hydrocephalus should also be closely monitored to determine whether the condition has dissipated or prolonged and become more severe. Parents need to be educated on the possibilities of children outgrowing the shunt, which would require surgical revision or replacement. (AST page 1163-1166)

References
Goldman, M. (2008). Pocket guide to the operating room (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis. Pages 666-668
Rothrock, J., & Alexander, S. (2011). Alexander's surgical procedures. St. Louis: Mosby. Page 827
Allhoff, T., & Hinton, D. (2013). Surgical Mayo setups (2nd ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning. Page 179
Frey, K. (n.d.). Surgical technology for the surgical technologist: A positive care approach (Fourth ed.). page 1163-1166
Feix, J. (2012). Pharmacology handbook for the surgical technologist. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning. Page

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