After shunt surgery

It's important to take your time when recovering after shunt surgery. Below are some of the FAQs that our members ask about surgery and looking after yourself in the days and weeks after.

 

1. Why is my shunt so important?  

Some forms of hydrocephalus require no specific treatment or are temporary and do not require treatment on a long-term basis. However, most forms do require treatment and this is usually surgical.   

A shunt is the most commonly used way of controlling the high pressure inside the head caused by hydrocephalus. It diverts CSF from the ventricles or other CSF-filled spaces to be absorbed in another area of the body.   

Shunts are thin tubes that drain CSF from a space where it is collecting, to be absorbed in another part of the body.   

Nearly all ventricular shunts have a valve in the ‘neck’ area of the tubing, which opens when the pressure in the head reaches a certain level. These can be fixed pressure, adjustable pressure (programmable), or dual pressure (gravitational).  

The shunt itself is made from silicon, a strong, long-lasting and inert substance that very few people are allergic to. Bactiseal shunts can help reduce infection after surgery. 

Make sure you find out what shunt you have before leaving hospital i.e. is it programmable / gravitational and the make. Further guidance and information about your particular shunt can usually be accessed via the shunt manufacturers.

2. How long will I take to recover after my surgery? 

This depends upon a number of things:  

1. How unwell you were before your surgery. 
2. Your general health, and if you have any other medical conditions. 
3. If there have been any complications from your existing medical conditions or your surgery. 

There are lots of things which can affect how long it will take for you to get over your surgery, so it is impossible to give an exact timescale. Your body is unique, so it is important to remember that different people recover at different rates. If your surgery was straightforward the recovery period can usually be divided into two periods: up to 3 months after surgery, and 3 months onwards. ⁽¹⁾ 

3. How often should I have a check-up with the neurosurgeon?  

Most neurosurgeons see their patients once or twice after the shunt is fitted. After that you will probably be discharged and advised to see your GP if you have any problems. The GP may then refer you back to the neurosurgeon, depending what the problem is. Some neurosurgical units have an open-door policy allowing you to contact them directly with questions or concerns after being discharged, so ask what their policy is.  

 

4. Can I lie on the side that my valve is on in bed? 

Check with your consultant as this advice can vary. Some members say they find it uncomfortable to sleep on the valve side.  

5. Can I cut and/or dye my hair? 

Delay this until the wound is fully healed, and it is no longer sore or tender. Just let your stylist know you have a shunt and show them where it is. Let them know it may be uncomfortable for you and ask them to be gentle around that area. If clippers are being used, this may be uncomfortable. Some operate using electro magnets, so know what shunt you have, know where your valve is if not magnet-resistant, or ask for motor driven clippers to be used 

You can dye or perm your hair as usual, once the shunt scar has fully healed. And you can sit under the old-fashioned driers or use handheld driers with no ill effects. 

 

6. When is it safe to start exercising?

Walking and gentle exercise can be done almost immediately, when you feel up to it.  

It is advisable to avoid any contact sports, until you have discussed it with your consultant’s team at your post-op follow up. Your neurosurgeon may want you to refrain from contact sports permanently, so do ask if this is important to you. 

From 6 weeks onwards, non-contact sports can be resumed, and you can return to the gym. Avoid lifting weights which may put strain on your neck and avoid heading soccer balls. 

Swimming can be resumed once all of your stitches/clips are removed and your wounds are healed. Take a friend for company on your first few swims!  

The important points to remember with exercise are to do as much as is comfortable, it is important to stay active but avoid overtiring yourself, and build your activity up gently to begin with.  

 

7. Are there any activities / sports I shouldn’t do with a shunt?

Exercise is essential for everyone to keep fit and healthy. 

It can raise our mood, keep our heart healthy and help with weight management. 

For children especially, taking part in physical activities with other children, making friends and having fun is very important for the development of both their social and movement skills.  

Children and adults with shunts may feel anxious about what exercise and sport are safe to participate in, and Shine has an information leaflet about Shunts and Sport  - we can provide a hard copy on request (available from Shine on 01733 555988).

8. If you’re a driver, how long after shunt surgery / revision can you go back to driving and do you need to tell the DVLA? 

You need to let the DVLA know as soon as you are diagnosed and have a date for surgery. You will not be allowed to drive until at least six months after your shunt is fitted.  

Contact the DVLA again six months after your surgery, as they will need to ask your neurosurgeon to confirm that you are fit to drive (i.e. have had no seizures or blackouts). If the top end of your shunt (the part in your brain) needs to be revised, you will need to inform the DVLA. You do not need to tell them if you only have your shunt pressure adjusted. The rules are different if you drive a bus, coach or lorry.

⁽¹⁾ Adapted from Walton Centre  - post operative surgery leaflet