Treatment for Hydrocephalus

Learn about world-class treatment options for Hydrocephalus in India.

About Hydrocephalus

A condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, leading to increased pressure. It can cause headaches, nausea, or developmental delays and is often treated with a shunt.

Includes

  • Congenital Hydrocephalus (infants)
  • Acquired Hydrocephalus (post-infection or trauma)
  • Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) – elderly adults
  • Post-hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus
  • Tumor-related Obstructive Hydrocephalus
  • Spina Bifida–related Hydrocephalus
  • Communicating vs Non-communicating Hydrocephalus
  • Hydrocephalus with Seizures, Delayed Milestones, Gait Issues

Top Treatment Options

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Surgery

VP shunt surgery is a common treatment for hydrocephalus. A thin tube (shunt) is placed in the brain's ventricle to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the abdominal cavity, relieving pressure on the brain.

Advantages
  • 1. Effective fluid drainage – quickly reduces brain pressure.
  • 2. Widely available – standard procedure in many hospitals.
  • 3. Long-term management – can provide lasting control of hydrocephalus.
Limitations
  • 1. Shunt malfunctions – risk of blockage or breakage over time.
  • 2. Infection risk – especially in the early post-surgery period.
  • 3. Multiple surgeries may be needed – for shunt revisions or replacements.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)

ETV is a minimally invasive brain surgery where a small hole is made in the floor of the third ventricle using an endoscope, allowing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flow freely and relieve pressure caused by hydrocephalus—without needing a shunt.

Advantages
  • 1. No implant needed – avoids lifelong dependence on a shunt.
  • 2. Lower long-term risks – fewer chances of infection or device failure.
  • 3. Minimally invasive – faster recovery and smaller scar.
Limitations
  • 1. Not for all types – works best for obstructive (non-communicating) hydrocephalus.
  • 2. Risk of failure – especially in infants or complex cases.
  • 3. Requires expertise – success depends on surgeon skill and equipment.

ETV with Choroid Plexus Cauterization (ETV+CPC)

ETV+CPC is a minimally invasive brain surgery that combines Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) with cauterization of the choroid plexus (the tissue that produces cerebrospinal fluid or CSF). It helps treat hydrocephalus by both improving CSF flow and reducing CSF production — especially useful in infants.

Advantages
  • 1. Shunt-free option – reduces or eliminates need for a VP shunt.
  • 2. More effective in infants – especially where ETV alone may fail.
  • 3. Lower long-term complications – avoids shunt-related issues like infection or blockage.
Limitations
  • 1. Not suitable for all types – works best in specific cases of obstructive hydrocephalus.
  • 2. Technically demanding – requires experienced neurosurgeons and specialized tools.
  • 3. Possible failure – some children may still need a shunt later.

Disclaimer: The treatment options described are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Final treatment decisions are made by qualified medical professionals after clinical evaluation.

Top Hospitals for Hydrocephalus

MediBridge works with India's leading hospitals in Hydrocephalus, trusted globally for advanced technology, experienced specialists, and high treatment success rates.

Every patient's situation is unique—factors like the stage of illness, required treatment type, recovery needs, and budget determine which hospital is best. That's why we don't publish a generic list. Instead, we offer personalized hospital matching to ensure you get the best care at the right cost.

👉 Kindly contact our Patient Coordinator to guide you in selecting the most suitable hospital for Hydrocephalus.

Cost Estimate

Treatment Cost

Treatment Cost (USD) Cost (KES)
Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Surgery $2,500 to $5,000 KES 330,000 to 660,000
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) $3,000 to $6,000 400,000 to 800,000
ETV with Choroid Plexus Cauterization (ETV+CPC) $3,500 to $7,000 470,000 to 950,000
Note: Prices may slightly vary due to changing exchange rates.

Flight (NBO-DEL/MUM/BLR)

USD: $450 - $900 (Return)

KES: 58,000 - 117,000

Accommodation

USD: $800 - $1,500 (per month)

KES: 104,000 - 195,000

Post Care Costs

USD: $80 - $500 (per month)

KES: 10,400 - 65,000

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