What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid helps protect and nourish the brain and remove waste. However, excessive accumulation of the fluid can increase the pressure inside the brain, leading to serious neurological problems. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, visual disturbances, muscle weakness and mental retardation. Hydrocephalus is usually congenital (congenital) or acquired (acquired).

What is Shunt Surgery?
In the treatment of hydrocephalus, “shunt surgery” is usually performed to correct the condition where fluid around the brain builds up more than normal. A shunt is a special tube (catheter) system that diverts fluid from one part of the brain to another part of the body. This allows the excess fluid to be transferred out of the brain and reduces brain pressure, relieving the patient’s symptoms.

How is Hydrocephalus Shunt Surgery Performed?
Shunt surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes several hours. During surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the scalp and inserts a shunt that diverts brain fluid to another part of the body. The shunt directs cerebrospinal fluid, usually into the abdominal cavity (peritoneal space) or the atria of the heart (atrial). Shunt systems ensure that cerebrospinal fluid circulates properly throughout the body.

How is Hydrocephalus Shunt Surgery Performed?

1. Preparation and Anesthesia:
   Shunt surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The patient is completely asleep and does not feel pain during the procedure. The head and neck area is sterilized.
2. Surgical Intervention:
   The surgeon makes a small incision in the head and reaches the area of the brain where fluid has accumulated. A shunt is then inserted. The shunt directs brain fluid through a tube outside the brain, usually into the abdomen.
3. Placing the shunt:
   The shunt consists of a catheter placed in the head and another catheter guided into the abdomen. This system brings the brain fluid to normal levels and stabilizes the brain pressure.
4. Recovery Process:
   Patients may be hospitalized for a few days after surgery. Shunt surgery is usually quite successful and patients can recover quickly after surgery. However, it is necessary to visit the doctor periodically to monitor whether the shunt is working properly.

Conditions and Symptoms Requiring Shunt Surgeries

Shunt surgery to treat hydrocephalus is usually performed with the following symptoms

• Severe headaches: Due to increased brain pressure.
• Nausea and vomiting: Associated with increased brain pressure.
• Balance and coordination problems: Impaired brain function due to fluid accumulation in the brain.
• Mental Retardation Growth and developmental delay in infants or young children.
• Visual Impairments: Increased brain pressure can put pressure on the optic nerves, leading to vision loss.

Treatment Methods:

• Shunt Surgery: Placement of a shunt to control the accumulation of fluid in the brain.
• Medication Therapy: In some cases, diuretic drugs (drugs that increase fluid excretion) may be used to relieve patients’ symptoms until shunt surgery is performed.
• Follow-up and Monitoring: Patients should be followed up regularly after shunt placement. It should be checked whether the shunt is working properly and whether fluid accumulation continues.

Why Metropol Health Group?

Metropol Health Group provides services with an experienced and professional healthcare team specialized in neurosurgery. Performing complex neurological surgical procedures such as brain hemorrhage, hydrocephalus and shunt surgeries with high success rates, Metropol Health Group offers the safest and most effective treatment methods to its patients. Thanks to state-of-the-art surgical equipment, specialized physician staff and a multidisciplinary approach, patients enter the recovery process quickly.

• Specialization: Doctors specialized in neurosurgery.
• Technology State-of-the-art surgical equipment and post-operative care.
• Success Rate: High success rates and patient satisfaction.
• Patient Specific Treatment: Customized treatment plan and monitoring process for each patient.

Hydrocephalus can be effectively managed with early diagnosis and correct surgical intervention. Metropol Health Group aims to offer you the best treatment process at every stage of such surgical procedures.