Successful VP Shunt Surgery at Phyathai 3 Hospital: A Patient’s Treatment Journey

We would like to share the medical journey of a 60-year-old female patient who successfully underwent VP shunt surgery at Phyathai 3 Hospital.

🧑‍⚕️ The Beginning of the Patient’s Medical Journey

The patient had an undiagnosed brain aneurysm and had not experienced any symptoms beforehand.

♦️ While she was in good health without any noticeable symptoms, the aneurysm suddenly ruptured, causing subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). On April 12, 2024, she underwent an emergency craniotomy with clipping of the aneurysm at a hospital in Myanmar to stop the bleeding from the ruptured aneurysm.

♦️ However, even after the emergency surgery, there was no significant improvement for nearly two months. The patient remained drowsy, was unable to move the entire left side of her body, could not open her right eye, and developed unclear speech.

♦️ Her doctor explained that there was an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, resulting in increased intracranial pressure (ICP), and that another surgery would be necessary.

💁‍♀️ Concerned about her condition, the patient’s family decided to seek further treatment in Bangkok and contacted Phyathai 3 Hospital Myanmar (Pan Asia Medical).

Our team carefully arranged the patient’s entire medical journey, including flight arrangements and ambulance transportation from the airport to the hospital, ensuring a smooth and safe transfer to Phyathai 3 Hospital.

🧑‍⚕️ The Patient’s Treatment at Phyathai 3 Hospital

🗓️ June 25:

The patient arrived at the hospital Emergency Department by ambulance from the airport. Necessary blood tests were performed, and one bottle of normal saline (N/S) was administered.

Dr. Theerachai performed MRI and MRA of the brain. Additional investigations, including MRA of the carotid arteries and neck, chest X-ray, ECG, and echocardiography (Echo), were also performed.

🗓️ June 27:

Dr. Theerachai performed a VP shunt operation to drain the excess CSF and help reduce the pressure inside the brain.

After the VP shunt procedure, the patient stayed in the ICU for two days before being transferred to the regular ward.

🧑‍⚕️ During her hospitalization, the patient was regularly monitored and treated by the relevant specialist doctors. She also received minor rehabilitation exercises to support her recovery and improve her physical function.

🗓️ July 6:

As her condition became stable and showed improvement, the patient was discharged from the hospital.

🗓️ July 8–12:

After discharge, she returned to the hospital regularly for scheduled physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions.

🗓️ July 13:

The patient returned for a follow-up consultation with the doctor. A CT scan of the brain was performed, and the results showed significant improvement. The VP shunt pressure was then adjusted accordingly.

🗓️ July 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24 and 26:

The patient continued to attend regular physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions at the hospital.

🗓️ July 27:

Dr. Theerachai conducted another follow-up and further adjusted the VP shunt pressure.

🗓️ August 10:

Dr. Theerachai conducted another follow-up. The patient’s overall condition had improved significantly, and she had started to walk with better balance.

The VP shunt pressure was adjusted again, and her next follow-up appointment was scheduled for three months later.

🗓️ August 18:

The patient returned to Myanmar.

💁‍♀️ The Patient’s Improvement After VP Shunt Surgery

✅ Following the VP shunt surgery and regular daily physiotherapy, the patient regained movement on the left side of her body.

✅ She has started to walk with improved balance.

✅ She is no longer as drowsy as before and is now more alert, active, and able to communicate and speak more clearly.

✅ She will continue to receive regular physiotherapy and rehabilitation according to her scheduled appointments.

✅ However, drooping of the right eyelid (ptosis) and double vision (diplopia) are still present.

🧑‍⚕️ For neurological conditions, our experienced and highly skilled neurologists and neurosurgical specialists at Phyathai 3 Hospital are available to provide expert consultation, diagnosis, and treatment every day.

Phyathai 3 Hospital — Supporting every patient’s journey toward recovery.