Tracy
There are lots of new procedures being done now. My 23yr. old daughter has a shunt, however, if she becomes blocked, a new procedure call a Ventriculostomy will be done. Leaving her old shunt behind, rather than causing more problems. My 15 yr. son, also hydrocephalic, has had this new surgery done. He had it 2 years ago. The time of surgery ywas cut down to 45 minutes, with recovery in hospital 4 days. He is back doing the things he enjoys. So as you can see. Each case is different, and I only hope this may answer some questions for you. If you wish e-mail back direct to me a troth@tcel.com