What we have covered in this article:
- What is VP Shunt?
- When is VP Shunt procedure needed?
- How is VP Shunt procedure done?
- Things to know about VP Shunt Procedure
- Who does VP Shunt Procedure?
- Investigations required for VP Shunt Procedure
- Tentative cost of VP Shunt Procedure in India
- Top Hospitals for VP Shunt Procedure in India
- Top Doctors for VP Shunt Procedure in India
- How we help international patients get treatment in India.
What is VP Shunt?
A Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt is a neurosurgical procedure designed to treat hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain’s ventricles. This surgical intervention involves implanting a shunt system to divert excess CSF from the brain to another part of the body, alleviating pressure and preventing potential damage to brain tissue.
When is VP Shunt Procedure Needed?
VP Shunt procedure is typically recommended in the following cases:
- Hydrocephalus: When there is an abnormal accumulation of CSF in the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and potentially causing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and cognitive impairment.
- Congenital Hydrocephalus: Present at birth due to developmental abnormalities.
- Acquired Hydrocephalus: Resulting from conditions such as brain tumors, infections (e.g., meningitis), hemorrhages (e.g., intraventricular hemorrhage), or traumatic brain injury.
How is VP Shunt Procedure Done?
The VP Shunt procedure involves several key steps:
- Incision: The neurosurgeon makes a small incision in the scalp to access the ventricles of the brain.
- Catheter Placement: A catheter (thin tube) is carefully inserted into one of the brain’s ventricles to drain excess CSF.
- Valve Placement: A valve system, which regulates the flow of CSF, is connected to the catheter. This valve is typically placed under the skin behind the ear or on the chest.
- Shunt Placement: Another catheter is tunnelled under the skin from the valve site down to the abdomen (peritoneal cavity), where the excess CSF is safely redirected for reabsorption.
- Adjustments and Testing: The shunt system is tested to ensure proper drainage and regulation of CSF flow. Adjustments may be made to the valve settings as needed.
Things to Know about VP Shunt Procedure
- Long-term Management: Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor shunt function and prevent complications such as infections, blockages, or valve malfunction.
- Potential Risks: Complications can include shunt infections, blockages requiring surgical revision, over-drainage or under-drainage of CSF, and rare complications like abdominal complications or valve failures.
- Lifestyle Considerations: Patients with VP Shunts may need to avoid certain physical activities and undergo routine imaging studies (e.g., X-rays) to monitor shunt function over time.
Who Performs VP Shunt Procedure?
- Neurosurgeons: Specialize in treating conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord. Responsible for precise placement of VP shunt components to manage hydrocephalus.
- Pediatric Neurosurgeons (for Pediatric Cases): Specialize in neurosurgical care for children. Have additional training in managing pediatric hydrocephalus cases. Ensure optimal treatment outcomes in younger patients.
- Interventional Radiologists (for Complex Cases): Specialists who provide imaging guidance during VP shunt placement. They assist in navigating catheters and ensuring precise shunt placement.
Investigations Required for VP Shunt Procedure
Before undergoing VP Shunt surgery, patients typically undergo:
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- CSF Analysis
Tentative Cost of VP Shunt Procedure in India
The cost of VP Shunt procedure in India varies depending on the hospital, surgeon’s expertise, and specific medical needs of the patient. On average, the procedure can range from approximately USD 5,000 to USD 8,000, making India a cost-effective destination for international patients seeking high-quality neurosurgical care.
*Please note: This is a very general range of costs only. VP Shunt procedure depends on various factors, and every patient is treated with unique treatment protocol. Hence, it is impossible to give an exact cost estimate for VP Shunt procedure. However, you can share your latest reports (for list of investigations required for VP Shunt procedure, please check above), and we can discuss with the best doctors here to give you the best possible cost estimate for treatment.
Top Neurosurgeons in India for VP Shunt Procedure
- Neurosurgeon, Gurugram, India
- Over 22 years’ experience
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sandeep Vaishya is a renowned Neurosurgeon in India, with over 22 years of proficient experience in the field of advanced neurosurgery.
- He has closely worked with some of the top-notch institutes and hospitals in India.
- Dr. Vaishya is regarded as one of the top surgeons of Gamma Knife Surgery in South Africa and is also considered a renowned surgeon for brachial plexus injuries.
- Additionally, Dr. Vaishya specializes in minimally invasive and image-guided neurosurgery, intracranial tumor surgery (including skull base tumors), functional neurosurgery, spinal surgery, and brachial plexus & peripheral nerve surgery.
- Top Neurosurgeon | Artemis Hospital | Gurugram, India
- 25+ years experience
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Aditya Gupta is one of the top Neurosurgeons in India functioning as the Chairperson of the Department of Neurosurgery & CNS Radiosurgery and Co-Chief of Cyberknife Centre at the Artemis Hospitals in Gurugram, India.
- He is renowned for pioneering advanced surgical techniques in treating various brain tumors, specializing in microsurgery and radiosurgery. His expertise extends to managing Movement Disorders with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), epilepsy surgery, nerve and brachial plexus surgeries, as well as treating brain aneurysms and AVMs. He is also highly skilled in spine surgery, having performed a wide range of procedures.
- Dr. Gupta graduated as a topper from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. He later served as Faculty and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery until 2009.
- Top Neurosurgeon | Fortis Memorial Research Institute | Gurugram, India
- 32+ years’ experience
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Rana Patir is one of the most experienced and highly qualified Neurosurgeons in India.
- He holds an extensive experience of 32+ years as a neurosurgeon and has performed more than 10,000 neurosurgical procedures till date.
- Dr. Patir is an expert in all kinds of neuro and spine surgeries with a specialization in minimally invasive brain and spine surgery, Epilepsy surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, and neurovascular surgery.
- Top Neurosurgeon | Max Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
- 20+ Years Experience
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Bipin Walia is one of the most famous neurosurgeons who has performed over 7000 successful neurosurgeries so far.
- Dr. Bipin Walia specializes in image-guided surgery, disc replacement, and endoscopic disc surgery, including endoscopic cranial surgery. His expertise also includes brain tumor surgery and a special focus on minimally invasive surgery for spinal tumors.
- He earned his MBBS and MS (General Surgery) degree from Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, followed by which his, M.Ch(Neurosurgery) from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
- Dr. Bipin Walia has over 20 years of experience with his outstanding performance earning him quite some rewards and recognition.
- Top Neurosurgeon | Medanta_ The Gurugram | India
- 30+ years’ experience
- Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. V P Singh is a renowned Neurosurgeon with over 30 years of veteran experience. His competence in cranial, spinal, and peripheral nerves has helped him successfully perform 400+ Intracranial Aneurysm surgical procedures.
- Dr. Singh has also been credited for initiating the Gamma Knife Unit and epilepsy surgery program at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
- He is proactively involved in the treatment of arteriovenous malformations by radiosurgery techniques and is currently the chairman of the Institute of Neurosciences, Medanta.
- Neurosurgeon, Gurugram, India
- Over 38 years’ experience
- Paras Hospital Gurugram
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. (Prof.) V S Mehta is a leading Neurosurgeon in India and is considered among the best neurosurgeons in the world.
- He holds an experience of over 38 years in the field and is an expert in Brachial Plexus Surgery, Brain Stem Surgery, Brain Tumour
- He has been honored with the Padma Shri for his dedication and contributions to neurosurgery and spine surgery in India.
- In Paras Dr. V S Mehta has been part of the team to first use the Image-Guided Brain Tumor Navigation Technology for Brain tumor surgery in India.
- Top Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon | BLK Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 29+ Years Experience
- BLK Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Anil Kumar Kansal is a highly respected and accomplished neurosurgeon with over 29 years of extensive experience in the field of neurosurgery, spine surgery, and robotic surgery.
- He currently serves as the Principal Director and Head of the Department at Max Healthcare, where he leads the Neurosciences division with a focus on delivering cutting-edge care to patients with complex neurological conditions.
- He earned his MCh in Neuro Surgery from King George’s Medical College, Lucknow University, in 2001, following an MS in General Surgery from the same prestigious institution in 1997.
- Top Neurosurgeon | Max Hospital, Saket, New Delhi | India
- 20+ Years Experience
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Arun Saroha is a renowned Neurosurgeon with extensive experience in the surgical treatment of all kinds of brain and spine disorders.
- He holds an experience of over 20 years in the field and has performed over 8000 neurosurgeries till date for different types of neuro and spinal diseases.
- Dr. Saroha is an expert in minimally invasive spine surgery, neuro-onco surgery, trauma surgery and is also among the few neurosurgeons with expertise in Pediatric neurosurgery.
- His interest lies in brain and spine disorders like degenerative spine disorder, brain tumors, disc replacements, pediatric neurosurgery surgery for stroke, brain and spine tumor surgery, brain aneurysms, spinal fusion, and decompression surgery.
- Top Neurosurgeon | Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai | India
- 25+ years experience
- Apollo Hospitals Greams Road
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. M. Balamurugan is a well-known neurosurgeon in India with 25 years of experience.
- Presently, he practices at Apollo Hospital, Greams Road, Apollo Specialty Cancer Hospital, and Apollo Children’s Hospital, Chennai.
- Owing to his experience, Dr. Balamurugan assists in managing craniosynostosis, epilepsy, extradural hematoma, lumbar disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, metachromatic leukodystrophy, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, scoliosis, seizures, trigeminal neuralgia, etc. He has expertise in managing brain tumors as well. Patients can consult him for Pediatric Neurosurgery.
- Neurosurgeon, Gurugram, India
- 20 + years’ experience
- Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sudhir Dubey is a distinguished neurosurgeon with an illustrious career spanning decades, marked by groundbreaking contributions to the field of neurosurgery.
- As the Chairman of Neurosurgery at Medanta, Gurugram, Dr. Dubey has performed over 10,000 neurosurgical operations, solidifying his reputation as one of the foremost experts in the field.
- Dr. Dubey’s academic journey is as impressive as his clinical achievements. He graduated with top honors from King George’s Medical College, where he was awarded the prestigious Sir Rupkishan Das Gold Medal in his final year of MBBS.
- Top Neuro Surgeon & Spine Surgeon | Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai, India
- 26+ Years Experience
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Abhaya Kumar is a leading name in the field of Neurosurgery in India and is currently associated with Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai as the Head and Consultant of Neurosurgery and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.
- He is an expert in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Brain surgery, and Stereotactic Radiosurgery. He has performed more than 3500 spine surgeries and 5500 brain surgeries in KDAH alone.
- His primary focus includes Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS). Till date, he has handled over 2500 Minimal Invasive spine cases in the hospital with an outstanding success record.
- In addition, he has treated over 300 cases of Craniovertebral Junction anomalies and performed surgeries for approximately 3000 brain tumors and over 500 spinal cord tumors. He frequently utilizes advanced technologies like Intraoperative MRI (IMRIS), neuro-navigation, stereotaxy, and neuroendoscopy in his procedures.
- Top Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon | Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 33+ Years Experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sudheer Kumar Tyagi is a highly esteemed Neurosurgeon with over 33 years of exemplary experience in the field of neurosurgery.
- Affiliated with Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha in New Delhi, Dr. Tyagi holds an MBBS, MS, and MCh in Neurosurgery.
- His career is marked by a dedication to advancing neurosurgical techniques and improving patient outcomes through precise and innovative surgical practices.
- Neurosurgeon | Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai | India
- 10+ years’ experience
- Apollo Hospitals Greams Road
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Srinivasan Paramasivam is a well-known Neurosurgeon in India having an overall experience of 10 years.
- He is associated with Apollo Hospital, Chennai as a senior consultant – neurosurgeon following his assignments abroad.
- Dr. Paramasivam earned a fellowship in Endovascular Neurosurgery from New York. He has specialized experience in Neuro Interventional Surgery, Cerebral Angioplasty, Brain Tumor Surgery, Surgical Clipping, etc.
- Neurosurgeon, Bengaluru, India
- Over 30 years’ experience
- Fortis Hospital Banerghatta Bengaluru
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Rajakumar V Deshpande is a renowned Neurosurgeon in Bengaluru. He performed the first pedicle screw fixation surgery for a spine injury in Bangalore.
- Dr. D V Rajakumar specializes in endoscopic neurosurgeries and has performed some of the most complex brain and spine surgeries through the endoscopic approach. His other areas of interest include minimally invasive neuro surgeries, management of cerebrovascular diseases, and brain tumor surgeries.
Best Hospitals in India for VP Shunt Procedure
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) is a premier multi-super-specialty, quaternary care hospital, known for its exceptional international faculty, top-tier clinicians, super-sub-specialists, and specialized nurses, all supported by cutting-edge technology.
- It is the flaship hospital of Fortis Healthcare Limited, part of IHH Healthcare Berhad, a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. As one of the country’s largest healthcare organizations, Fortis operates 28 healthcare facilities with over 4,500 operational beds (including O&M facilities) and more than 400 diagnostic centers (including joint ventures).
- Recognized as one of the top hospitals in India, FMRI serves as a leading referral center and aspires to be the ‘Mecca of Healthcare’ for India and beyond. Its 11-acre campus is a testament to its commitment to providing world-class healthcare.
- Accredited by JCI and NABH, FMRI is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare quality and safety, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care. The hospital’s reputation is further enhanced by its state-of-the-art facilities and innovative medical practices.
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Artemis Hospital, established in 2007 in Gurugram, India, is a leading multi-specialty institution known for its excellence in patient care and advanced medical technology, offering comprehensive services across specialties like Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Orthopedics etc.
- Renowned for its patient-focused care, Artemis Hospital combines state-of-the-art infrastructure with a team of internationally trained doctors and surgeons, ensuring the highest standards of medical treatment.
- Accredited by JCI and NABH, Artemis Hospital meets global healthcare quality and safety standards, reflecting its commitment to providing compassionate, personalized care.
- The hospital is recognized for utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic and ther*peutic techniques, ensuring patients receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatments tailored to their needs.
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of India’s best and largest multi-specialty hospitals, Medanta was built with the aim to bring India to the highest standards of medical care. The hospital has been providing the best medical services to its patients, since its inception, with care, commitment, and compassion.
- Equipped with 1250 beds, the hospital was founded by Dr. Naresh Trehan in the year 2009 with an aim to provide the best medical care at affordable costs. The hospital is spread across 43 acres and includes 45 operation theatres and 350 beds dedicated solely to ICU. The hospital includes over 800 doctors, and more than 22 specialty departments and has a dedicated floor for individual specialty in order to offer the best services under one roof.
- The hospital is considered one of the premier institutes in India for Cardiac Care and includes staffs and members of high caliber. The hospital has 6 distinct centers of excellence.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is a 700-bedded multispecialty hospital in the heart of the capital of India. It is a part of Apollo Hospital group, one of India’s most reputed healthcare chains. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has been accredited by Joint Commission International, making it the first internationally accredited hospital in the country in 2005.
- There are 52 specialties in the hospital with one of the best cardiology centers in the country. The hospital is also equipped with State of the art infrastructure facilities with the largest Sleep Lab in Asia and the largest number of ICU bed facilities in India.
- The latest and highly advanced technologies that are installed in the hospital include Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System, PET-MR, PET-CT, Cobalt-based HDR, Brain Lab Navigation System, Tilting MRI, Portable CT scanner, 3 Tesla MRI, 128 Slice CT scanner, DSA Lab, Endosonography, Hyperbaric Chamber and Fibro scan.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of the well-regarded providers in India committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient care, Max Super Specialty Hospital is a part of Max Healthcare, which is the second-largest healthcare chain in India. Regarded as one of the most well-regarded healthcare providers in the country, Max Super Specialty Hospital is committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence as well as patient care. The hospital is also equipped with the latest technology as well as cutting-edge research. The hospital is known to deliver and ensure the highest level of patient care.
- The hospital has more than 500 beds and offers treatment for over 35 specialties. The hospital also holds the credit of having installed the first Brain Suite in Asia. This is a highly advanced Neurosurgical machine that allows MRI to be taken while surgery is ongoing.
- Other advanced and latest technologies are also installed in the hospital such as the 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, 64 Slice CT Angiography, 4D ECHO, LINAC, and 3.5T MRI machine.
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Located in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, Apollo Health City is a world-renowned medical facility that provides outstanding care and treatment to patients coming from different parts of the world.
- Founded in 1988, this 550-bed multispecialty hospital with 50 specialties and 12 Centres of Excellence continues to deliver outstanding outcomes for patients with the simplest to the most complicated medical conditions.
- Backed by the latest medical equipment and a dedicated team of professionals, the hospital provides comprehensive treatment across various specialties including, cardiology, critical care, neurosciences, cancer, orthopedics, gynecology, ENT, transplants, gastroenterology, etc.
- Apollo Health City is a cutting-edge healthcare facility that combines various facilities under one roof. These may include state-of-the-art physical medicine, rehabilitation, and wellness services with education, research, telemedicine, innovative medical devices, disease management programmes, and medical talents.
- The hospital is known for offering top-notch cancer treatment accompanied by cutting-edge facilities and technology.
- The hospital also offers a broad spectrum of cosmetic procedures that improve not just appearance but also comfort.
- In 2011, Apollo Health City was the recipient of the Asian Hospital Management Award (AHMA).
- In 2013, the Government of India recognized Apollo Health City as the top medical tourism destination in the country.
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Named after the wife of Indian industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, this is one of the top hospitals in Mumbai. This 750-bed multi-specialty hospital became operational in 2009. Known as one of India’s most advanced tertiary care facilities, the hospital is designed to raise India’s global standing as a healthcare hub, with an emphasis on excellence in clinical services.
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital uses Protocol and Care Pathway based treatment models to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
- The hospital represents a confluence of top-notch talent, cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and, most importantly commitment.
- The hospital also holds the accreditation of the NABH, NABL, CAP, and JCI.
- The hospital has been recognized as the No. 1 Multispecialty Hospital in Mumbai and the West Zone for the fifth year in a row in 2020 by The Week.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, is one of the best hospitals for heart care in India. Over the years, Apollo has expanded all over India, as a healthcare chain.
- India’s first ‘Only Pancreas’ transplant was performed in Apollo Hospital. The hospital is known for successfully performing Asia’s first en-bloc combined heart and liver transplant, and over the years, it has attained a remarkable achievement in the global healthcare space. Around 3-4 organ transplants are performed in the hospital per day.
- Equipped with over 500 beds, this hospital in Chennai was established in 1983 and since then has been among the most preferred hospital for patients from all over the world.
- The hospital holds accreditation of the NABH and JCI and is the first hospital in India to be ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. It is also the first South Indian Hospital to receive subsequent reaccreditation from the JCI USA 4 times.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1999, Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai, is one of the top healthcare facilities in Southern India. It is part of the Gleneagles Hospital Chain, which is the fourth largest healthcare chain in the country. The hospital specializes in multi-organ transplants of kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, etc.
- The hospital has an excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art lab and equipment set-up. The hospital boasts cutting-edge technologies, a highly skilled team of doctors and surgeons, and trained support staff. Located in Perumbakam, Chennai, it is one of India’s premier health care destinations. The hospital has performed some of the most complex surgical and clinical procedures in India including multi-organ transplantations.
- The hospital’s lung transplantation program is one of the best in the country. The hospital is known for having performed India’s first single lung transplant and first minimal invasive lung transplant. It is also the only Indian hospital to be associated with King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom for liver transplantations.
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- KIMS Hospital (a brand name of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences) is one of the largest and best multi-speciality hospitals in Hyderabad. The hospital provides various treatments to an enormous number of patients.
- The hospital has a capacity of more than 3000 beds. KIMS Hospitals offers different healthcare services in more than 25 specialities and super specialities.
- The hospital is equipped with modern medical equipment and technology. It has robotic equipment to provide minimal invasive techniques for patients.
- The hospital is aimed at providing world-class healthcare facilities and services at an affordable cost for patients.
- The various specialities and departments of the hospital include neurosciences, gastroenterology & hepatology, robotic science, reproductive sciences, dental science, oncological sciences, organ transplantation, heart and lung transplantation and mother and child care.