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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Gastrointestinal Problems Be Related To The VP Stunt?

I have a VP shunt that was placed in 1998 and is now nonfunctioning and calcified at the distal end. It was originally placed for Pseud Tumor Cerebrii. I weighed almost 300 lbs now I am down to 119lbs. Is it possible that my GI problems are related to the shunt? If so do I have to have the entire catheter removed or just the part that is calcified?
Tue, 26 Apr 2016
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted your history of having VP shunt place long ago in 1998 the distal part of which has been calcified. It was put in for Pseudo tumor cerebri. Your weight was almost 300 lbs and now has come down to 11 lbs. Wants to know whether GI problems are related to to the shunt and how much to be removed if required.
My thoughts:
Calcified distal end of the VP shunt pit in so long ago, causing such problems is not possible in most of the cases. It can not cause so much weight loss.
Hence I would suggest you the following:
Consult your Physician for clinical evaluation for your GI problems, the have related tests of blood for thyroid, liver, proteins, diabetes and so on to find the cause of reduced weight.
Once the medical condition is found get it treated well and you will be dine.
Secondly, consult a General Surgeon and get the shunt related GI problems confirmed or ruled out.
If there is no relation, you may please not remove the shunt now.
If there is a problem, part of the embedded shunt can be removed.
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Can Gastrointestinal Problems Be Related To The VP Stunt?

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted your history of having VP shunt place long ago in 1998 the distal part of which has been calcified. It was put in for Pseudo tumor cerebri. Your weight was almost 300 lbs and now has come down to 11 lbs. Wants to know whether GI problems are related to to the shunt and how much to be removed if required. My thoughts: Calcified distal end of the VP shunt pit in so long ago, causing such problems is not possible in most of the cases. It can not cause so much weight loss. Hence I would suggest you the following: Consult your Physician for clinical evaluation for your GI problems, the have related tests of blood for thyroid, liver, proteins, diabetes and so on to find the cause of reduced weight. Once the medical condition is found get it treated well and you will be dine. Secondly, consult a General Surgeon and get the shunt related GI problems confirmed or ruled out. If there is no relation, you may please not remove the shunt now. If there is a problem, part of the embedded shunt can be removed.