POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SHUNTS

Suture line

Clean the suture lines with Betadine solution and apply polysporin ointment 3 times a day. Stop the ointment after 3 days. After approximately 7 days, clean suture lines with 1/2 strength peroxide 2-3 times a day using a soft Q-tip. (Mix peroxide with equal amounts of sterile water in a clean cup. Use a new mixture before each cleaning). Wash your child's hair everyday with technicare or ultradex shampoo for 1-2 weeks.
Appointment Please call for an office follow-up appointment the day you are discharged from the hospital for scheduling convenience. Schedule your appointment for 2-3 weeks from discharge unless otherwise stated by your doctor. We will check your child to make sure the shunt is working properly at this visit and answer any questions. Sometimes it is helpful to write down any questions so you won't forget to ask. It is imperative that you follow-up with contact your neurosurgeon after surgery as failure to do so can result in serious injury to your child or death if complications are not readily recognized and treated. Follow-up will be ongoing at least yearly.
Activity Your infant or child may become tired easily and need more rest. Limit activity for the next 2-3 weeks. With older children, no bike riding, playgrounds or strenuous activity. No swimming for 2-4 weeks.
Pain If your baby is fussy or your child complains of a headache, give Tylenol to help the discomfort. If the pain becomes severe and Tylenol does not help, please give your pediatrician a call. Your pediatrician will help determine if the pain is due to problems other than the shunt. If your pediatrician feels it is related to the shunt please call us.
Fever If your baby or child has a fever above 101 degrees, please call your pediatrician to determine the cause of the fever. If your pediatrician feels the fever is due to the shunt please gave us a call.
Position Keep the head of bed slightly elevated to promote drainage of the shunt.
Infection and Concerns Watch your infant or child for any of the signs of shunt infection or malfunction for the next 6-8 months. If you have concerns about your infant or child's shunt, call us during the day if possible, as there are more people to try to help you in case x-rays, CT's or appointments are needed.

Please notify your doctor or pediatrician's office of the surgery! 

Neurosurgeons for kids
Eric R. Trumble, M.D.
22 Lake Beauty Dr. Suite 204, Orlando, Florida 32806 (407) 236-0006