Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt - Recovery

Incision Care

  • You may shampoo your hair with a gentle shampoo, such as baby shampoo, 3 days after your surgery.
  • Clean the incision with a washcloth daily.
  • Apply Antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or Bacitracin to the incision two times a day.
  • We want to keep the incision from drying out and forming scabs, because scabs can harbor bacteria.
  • If you have black stitches or staples, we will remove these at your post-op appointment.   These will need to be removed 10-14 days after your surgery by Dr Grunch’s office

Pain Expectations

  • It is normal to expect pain after surgery.  That is why we prescribe medication to ease you through the healing process.
  • It is normal to have a sore throat after endotracheal intubation, and this will improve over the week after surgery. 

Medications

  • You may be given prescriptions for a pain medication.
  • Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach.  This may make you feel nauseated. 
  • Do not drink alcohol if you are taking pain medication.
  • Because pain medication can cause constipation, it is important to have stool softeners and laxatives at home such as Colace or Senna to prevent constipation.
  • If you still have constipation after using these medicines, you may use an over-the-counter suppository or enema.  

Medications to avoid

  • NO blood thinners such as Aspirin, Coumadin, Warfarin, Xarelto, Plavix, etc.  for 5-7 days after your surgery.  We will tell you when you may resume your blood thinners.  

Therapy 

  • When you are at home, walk between 30-60 minutes a day, but not all at the same time.   Divide your walks into smaller intervals of 10-15 minutes at a time.

Restrictions

  • Activities such as lifting >10 lbs, exercise, or excessive activity are restricted during your recovery period, which is about 6 weeks.
  • Straining can raise intracranial pressure, which is the pressure inside of your head.  
  • This means NO household chores such as laundry, hobbies such as golfing, and yard work. 
  • If you have young children or grandchildren, do NOT pick them up.  
  • You may drive as long as you are not taking narcotic pain medication. 
  • It is ok to ride as a passenger if you are taking narcotic pain medication.
  • If you are unable to work due to these restrictions, please let us know if we need to complete any paperwork for your employer. 

Diet

  • If you are experiencing nausea, follow a “BRAT diet” which is Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast and advance as tolerated.
  • If your surgery was near the temple, your chewing muscle may be very sore for several weeks.  Softer food will help with reducing pain.  

Smoking 

  • Smoking constricts your blood vessels which carry oxygen and nutrients to your healing bone and muscles.  
  • Carefully consider quitting smoking during this time.  If you would like help in smoking cessation, please let us know.

Call our office if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Sudden onset of a severe headache or headaches that change with position 
  • Confusion, memory loss, changes in speech, or weakness on one side of the body
  • Seizures
  • Fever > 101 degrees 
  • Constipation that is not relieved by stool medications 
  • Redness, warmth, or significant drainage from your incision
  • Shortness of breath or Chest Pain 
  • Pain, swelling, or redness in your calves

Follow up appointment

  • We have scheduled a follow up appointment for you that is about 2-3 weeks after your surgery
  • You will be provided with a card listing the date and time.  If you need this appointment changed, please call our office 

If you are experiencing any problems or have any questions, please call Stacey at 678-207-4231

Betsy Grunch