Is anyone with a VP shunt also experiencing GERD, gastric dumping, etc

Posted by ncb @ncb, Jun 4, 2023

In 2008, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was implanted in my head to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (from intercranial hypertension) and a hole in the base of my skull was plugged to stop a CSF leak. The shunt catheter was placed in my lower abdomen and ever since I've had chronic diarrhea, bowel urgency, gastric dumping, ulcers and gastritis, GERD/heartburn, and other digestive issues. In 2016, the shunt and catheter were replaced and the catheter was redirected to my upper abdomen so that it ends near my liver. This year, with a new neurosurgeon, the shunt has been reset twice and the headaches and visual disturbances have stopped. I am interested to know if other shunt patients have had GI problems and what was done to correct those problems.

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emeraldangel93 | @emeraldangel93 | May 6 7:09pm

Yes, I’m definitely dealing with gerd. For last two years. My gastroenterologist had me go to my neurologist np about it potentially being a shunt thing. I went to see her and she said it doesn’t sound like a shunt issue. I even had a ct scan 2 weeks ago. Nothing. I had an appointment with my gastroenterologist today and he’s doing absolutely nothing. He still thinks it’s a shunt thing. I’m on 3 different pills for my stomach and nothing is helping. He acts like he couldn’t care less about all of this. I just need to know what’s up. Whether it be a shunt thing or not. Someone’s bound to know. Seeing that your post is from 2023, did you get any help for your gerd issues? If so, any advice?

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | May 7 2:16pm

In reply to @emeraldangel93 "Yes, I’m definitely dealing with gerd. For last two years. My gastroenterologist had me go to..." + (show)

Hello, @emeraldangel93. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm sorry nothings is helping the GERD. I'm also sorry to hear about the differing opinions on the ventriculoperitoneal shunt and its possible relationship to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric dumping and related symptoms.

Tagging a few others who may have thoughts on having a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and any ensuing gastrointestinal issues @lynda1992 @ncb @julese @barbwith3cats @ortina2023.

gina0815 | @gina0815 | Sep 3 10:16pm

I had my VP shunt placed in April with all my post pain being in my abdomen. I’ve lost 45+ pounds since then. Severe abdominal cramping, gastric dumping, nausea and vomiting. General surgeon wouldn’t even consider that it had anything to do with shunt now waiting to see gastrointestinal specialist

brendanlally1956 | @brendanlally1956 | Sep 4 10:44am

In reply to @gina0815 "I had my VP shunt placed in April with all my post pain being in my..." + (show)

No need for semiglutides

luvnursing52 | @luvnursing52 | Sep 4 11:26am

I have had 2 fundoplication surgeries to deal with my severe reflux. Now that I have a VP shunt, I have had RUQ belly pain since. It gets worse after eating. The best way to describe it is a pinching sensation just under my rib cage. So far, it's bearable but I'm going to contact my GI provider to get his thoughts.
I've also had constipation since my surgery, despite taking fiber supplements. That could be related to the pain medication, but once a day Oxycodone shouldn't be causing this.
I was told by my surgeon to monitor the belly pain & report back. But it's pretty uncomfortable.