A Case Report on Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion Using a Novel Modification: The Receded Shunt Technique

TL;DR

A new technique for placing a brain shunt improves patient comfort and appearance by reducing skin tension and valve prominence.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel 'receded shunt technique' to enhance cosmesis and comfort in ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion.

Findings

The receded shunt technique involves creating a depression in the skull for the shunt valve.

This modification reduces skin tension and improves patient comfort.

The technique offers better cosmesis compared to traditional methods.

Abstract

A 36-year-old female with obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to adult-onset aqueductal stenosis and a right posterior parietal ventriculoperitoneal shunt presented with headaches and discomfort whenever the skin overlying her current valve was touched during hygiene and hair combing. She was diagnosed with a shunt malfunction and underwent removal of the previous shunt and insertion of a new shunt at the left frontal region using a novel method - the receded shunt technique. This involves creating a depression in the outer table where the shunt valve will be set to eliminate the apparent prominence of the valve. The advantages of this approach include better cosmesis, decreased skin tension, and increased patient comfort. Indeed, a simple modification such as this can provide a significant improvement to this age-old neurosurgical procedure.

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