How Much Does A Hydrocephalus Surgery Cost?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Average cost

was $35,816 +/- $810

(standard error range, $137-$814,748). Primary payers primarily were private insurers (43.8%), Medicare (26.0%), and Medicaid (24.5%). Disposition mainly was routine (78.4%, with home health care in 6.5%), and inpatient mortality was 2.7%.

How much does it cost to treat hydrocephalus?

Initial Treatment & Outcome Total Cost New

VPS insertion


$115,420.25

ETV redo


$145,159.57

How much does it cost to have a shunt surgery?

The average total cost associated with an initial ETV procedure was

$35,602.27

. The average total cost associated with an ETV failure treated with a new VP shunt insertion was $88,859.05. Only 1 patient underwent a repeat ETV—at a total cost of $159,429.95. ETV/CPC patients incurred an average total cost of $63,260.80.

How long does hydrocephalus surgery take?

The surgery will take

about 1 hour

. Once you’re asleep, the doctor will shave off some hair near the area where they’ll make the incision (surgical cut) on your head. Your entire head won’t be shaved. Your doctor will make 3 small incisions: 1 in your head, 1 in your neck, and 1 in your abdomen.

How Serious Is shunt surgery?

Placement of a shunt is a very safe procedure. However, complications can occur during or after the procedure. Risks associated with any surgical procedure include

excessive bleeding and infection

.

How long is hospital stay for shunt surgery?

The actual surgical procedure to implant a shunt typically requires about an hour in the operating room. Afterward, you will be carefully observed for 24 hours. Your stay in the hospital will generally be for

two to four days total

.

Does a shunt stay in forever?


VP shunts do not work forever

. When the shunt stops working: The child can have another buildup of fluid in the brain. Another surgery is needed to fix it.

Can a person with hydrocephalus drive?

Hydrocephalus typically affects

visual acuity, coordination, judgment, and concentration

, all of the skills which are necessary to drive. Just learning how to coordinate between controlling the steering wheel and applying the accelerator or brake can be a daunting task when you have poor motor skills.

Does hydrocephalus qualify for disability?


You cannot get disability automatically for hydrocephalus

because it is not a specifically listed condition in Social Security’s “blue book” of listed impairments.

How do you feel after shunt surgery?

During VP shunt surgery, the doctor placed two small tubes (catheters) and a valve under your skin. After surgery,

your neck or belly may feel tender

. You will probably feel tired, but you should not have much pain. For a few weeks after surgery, you may have headaches.

Is shunt surgery painful?

During VP shunt surgery, the doctor placed two small tubes (catheters) and a valve under your skin. After surgery, your neck or belly may feel tender. You will probably feel tired, but

you should not have much pain

.

Can you live a normal life with a shunt?

Overview. Many people with normal pressure hydrocephalus

enjoy a normal life with the help of a shunt

. Regular, ongoing checkups with the neurosurgeon will help ensure that your shunt is working correctly, your progress is on track, and you are free to keep living the way you want.

How long does it take for shunt surgery?

Shunt surgery is done by a specialist in brain and nervous system surgery (neurosurgeon). It’s done under a general anaesthetic and usually takes

1 to 2 hours

. You may need to stay in hospital for a few days after the operation to recover. If you have stitches, they may dissolve or need to be removed.

What are the side effects of having a shunt?

  • redness and tenderness along the line of the shunt.
  • a high temperature.
  • headache.
  • vomiting.
  • neck stiffness.
  • tummy pain if the shunt drains into your tummy.
  • irritability or sleepiness in babies.

How serious is hydrocephalus in adults?

In most cases, hydrocephalus progresses, which means complications, including intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, can occur if it’s not treated. It can also

be life-threatening

. Less severe cases, when treated appropriately, might have few, if any, serious complications.

Can you drink alcohol with hydrocephalus?

The causes of hydrocephalus are varied and specific causes may have affected brain development. An individual’s reaction to alcohol may vary based on their type of hydrocephalus or specific response to the substance. However,

drinking in excess is not good for anyone

, whatever their health status.

Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.