Ventriculostomy / EVD Insertion in Tamil Nadu
Placement of a drain into the brain's ventricles to relieve raised intracranial pressure or drain blood/CSF.
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What is Ventriculostomy / EVD Insertion?
Placement of a drain into the brain's ventricles to relieve raised intracranial pressure or drain blood/CSF.
30–60 min
ICU management; drain removed when pressure controlled
₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000
Local
90%
Inpatient
Why Ventriculostomy / EVD Insertion Is Needed
Performed to relieve raised intracranial pressure caused by conditions like hydrocephalus, traumatic brain injury, brain hemorrhage, or brain tumors obstructing the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It provides an emergency route to drain excess fluid or blood and monitor pressure inside the skull when this pressure threatens brain function.
Signs You May Need Ventriculostomy / EVD Insertion
Warning signs of raised intracranial pressure requiring this procedure include severe headache, repeated vomiting, altered consciousness or confusion, sudden drowsiness progressing to unresponsiveness, seizures, and unequal pupil size. These symptoms often develop rapidly after a head injury, stroke, or in the context of a known brain tumor or hydrocephalus, requiring emergency neurosurgical intervention.
Types of Ventriculostomy / EVD Insertion
An external ventricular drain (EVD) is placed temporarily to both monitor pressure and drain fluid in acute settings, while a more permanent internal shunt (like a ventriculoperitoneal shunt) is used for long-term management of chronic hydrocephalus once the acute crisis is controlled. The insertion site and depth are guided by CT imaging or, in some centers, real-time neuronavigation for precision.
Hospitals offering Ventriculostomy / EVD Insertion (0)
No hospitals listed yet for this procedure in Tamil Nadu — check back soon or browse all hospitals.
Specialists offering Ventriculostomy / EVD Insertion (0)
No specialists listed yet for this procedure in Tamil Nadu.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is ventriculostomy a major surgery?
It is a relatively quick bedside or operating room procedure performed under local anesthesia in emergencies, but it is a serious intervention given its location and the critical condition of patients who need it.
How long does the drain stay in place?
This varies based on the underlying cause, but an EVD typically remains in place for days to a couple of weeks until intracranial pressure stabilizes and the underlying problem is addressed.
What are the risks of EVD insertion?
Risks include infection, bleeding, and rarely, damage to brain tissue, which is why patients are closely monitored in an ICU setting throughout the drainage period.
Will the patient need further surgery after an EVD?
Depending on the underlying cause, some patients transition to a permanent shunt for long-term CSF drainage, while others may have the drain removed once the acute issue resolves; the neurosurgical team will determine the best path forward.
How is the patient monitored after this procedure?
Continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure, neurological status, and drain output occurs in an ICU setting, allowing the medical team to respond quickly to any changes.