Implanted in the child with hydrocephalus to prevent excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles

Tubing diverting CSF from the ventricles into the peritoneal cavity, where it’s reabsorbed

To prevent accumulation of CSF in the ventricles

Provide an age-appropriate explanation of why the surgery is being performed, and encourage the child and his parents to ask questions.

Young children may have misconceptions about procedures involving general anesthesia; when explaining this procedure, make sure the child understands that he’ll be given “a special medicine” to make sure he doesn’t feel anything during the procedure. Tell the child that the medicine will give him a special kind of sleep that isn’t like sleeping at night or nap time.