VP Shunt and Bariatric Surgery - safe?

Question

I went to see a bariatric surgeon for the Gastric Sleeve and I was denied because I have hydrocephalus and have a VP shunt in place. He told me that it is too risky to even operate on my abdomen if I were to have my appendix inflamed and so, it wouldn't be smart to even do the Gastric Sleeve. Is this true of people who have VP shunts? I was only ever told I had to use antibiotics before oral surgery because of it.

Reza Keshavarzi, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

Having a VP shunt does not automatically disqualify you from having gastric sleeve surgery or other forms of bariatric surgery. However, medical clearance from your neurosurgeon is essential. Your neurosurgeon needs to confirm that the shunt is stable, functioning properly, and that there are no concerns about how abdominal surgery might affect it.
The key factors are:Ensuring your shunt is stableNo signs of infection or malfunctionFull clearance from your neurosurgical team
Some surgeons and neurosurgeons may be more cautious depending on your specific health history, but with proper evaluation and precautions, bariatric surgery can often still be performed safely.
It’s important to have close communication between your neurosurgeon, primary care physician, and bariatric surgery team to ensure the safest plan for your situation.

Jorge Maytorena, MD · Answer

It is not an absolute contraindication to deny a procedure for weight loss surgery, on one occasion I operated on a patient with a peritoneal bypass valve without any problems or complications.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

A VP (ventriculoperitoneal) shunt, used to manage hydrocephalus, does require special consideration when undergoing any abdominal surgery, including the gastric sleeve. The concern your surgeon raised likely stems from the potential risk of infection or complications related to the shunt, particularly if it is routed into the abdominal cavity.
While it is true that a VP shunt may increase the complexity of bariatric surgery, it doesn’t necessarily mean that surgery is impossible. These decisions are highly individualized and depend on factors like your overall health, the exact placement and condition of your shunt, and the potential benefits versus risks of surgery. Consulting with both a bariatric surgeon experienced in high-risk cases and a neurosurgeon familiar with your shunt could provide more clarity. Together, they can evaluate whether precautions or adjustments might make surgery a viable option in your case. This collaborative approach may give you a more comprehensive understanding of your options.

H. Joseph Naim, MD, FACS · Answer

Obviously everyone surgery has its own risk & benefits, but your particular situation can cause shunt infection if there is a complication.Surgeons in general only perform cases that they fell comfortable and have experience with.That being said, more experienced programs, like us, had similar patients with this situation and will be happy to help you get the Bariatric Surgery that you need, safe!

Michael F. Sedrak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It should be safe to have abdominal surgery with a VP shunt. This could be something to confirm with your neurosurgeon but it should be totally fine. VP shunts are placed by- guess what- abdominal surgery (including laparoscopic). Bariatric surgery can improve something called pseudotumor cerebri, which means-guess what- can help decrease intracranial pressure. 
I would say, start with your neurosurgeon for confirmation or clarification. Then with that information you can reach out to a Bariatric surgeon and the two surgeons can collaborate as well

VP Shunt and Bariatric Surgery - safe?

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VP Shunt and Bariatric Surgery - safe?

Answers (5)

Answer: VP shunt

Answer: VP shunt

Answer: Bariatric surgery with VP shunt

Answer: Bariatric surgery with VP shunt

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Everything you need to know about Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.