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Discharge Instructions Back to Patients Page

For Patients After The Insertion of a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

MEDICATIONS:

Your doctor may give you prescriptions prior to discharge. It is important that you take these medications as directed.

INCISION:

Keep your incision area clean. You may shower upon arrival home. You may gently wash your hair and blow it dry. Do not use any oils, sprays, ointments, grease, or lotions on your hair until your incision is completely healed. You may wear a loose-fitting hat or scarf, but no wigs. However, it is important to leave the incision site open to air as much as possible to promote healing. Do not use hair coloring or have a permanent for at least six weeks after the surgery.

If any signs or symptoms of infection occur, call your doctor immediately. This may include:

Fevers, chills, or sweats.

Drainage from your incision.

Increased or new pain.

Redness or increased swelling along the incision.

EXERCISE:

Continue with your leg exercises, deep breathing, coughing exercises, and frequent walks. Gradually increase your activity level over the next six weeks to your level of activity prior to surgery. Do not drive a car until authorized by your doctor. Do not return to work, participate in sports or resume sexual relations until approved by your doctor.

PAIN CONTROL:

Take your pain medications as prescribed by your doctor. You may continue to have some pain for a while. Some discomfort is normal following surgery. Once you have used all your pain medication, you can continue to use Tylenol, aspirin, or Motrin for pain relief.

DIET:

You will need to eat a well-balanced diet to promote healing of your incision and to keep up your strength. If you find your are having difficulty with constipation, increase your fluid intake to six to eight glasses of water a day (limit caffeine products and alcoholic beverages), and eat high fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and bran.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT:

It is important to follow up with your doctor following surgery at his office. Make an appointment to see Dr. Vinas one week after your discharge from the hospital. The phone number is (904) 253-7644.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR:

Notify your doctor if any of the following occur:

Difficulty with speech.

Changes in vision.

Confusion.

Excessive sleepiness or if you have difficulty awakening.

Weakness or paralysis of your arms or legs or new difficulty walking.

New onset nausea and vomiting.

Seizures.

The numbers to call are:

Office: 386-253-7644

Emergency Room: 386-254-4100