with shunted patients, but results in a large number of shunt revisions. the condition usually occurs several years after shunt implantation. the most common symptoms are similar to normal shunt malfunction, but there are several key differences. first, the symptoms are often cyclical and will appear and then subside several times over a lifetime. second, the symptoms can be alleviated by lying prone. in the case of shunt malfunction neither time nor postural position will affect the symptoms. the condition is often thought to occur during a period where overdrainage and brain growth occur simultaneously. in this case, the brain fills the intraventricular space, leaving the ventricles collapsed. furthermore, the compliance of the brain will decrease, which prevents the ventricles from enlarging, thus reducing the chance for curing the syndrome. the collapsed ventricles can also block the shunt valve, leading to obstruction. since the effects of slit ventricle syndrome are irreversible, constant care in managing the condition is needed. intraventricular hemorrhage an intraventricular hemorrhage can occur at any time during or after a shunt insertion or revision. intraparenchymal hemorrhages that are multi-focal in nature have also been described in the pediatric population following ventriculoperitoneal shunting. the hemorrhage can cause an impairment in shunt function which can lead to severe neurological deficiencies. studies have shown that intraventricular hemorrhage can occur in nearly 31% of shunt revisions. outcomes and prognosis surgical wound healing for a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (vp shunt) head wound at day 6 belly wound at day 12 head wound at day 15, stitches removed belly wound at day 15, stitches removed shunt removal though there have been many cases of patients reaching "shunt independence", there is no general agreement among doctors on how to determine which patients might survive without a shunt. it can be very difficult to discern whether a patient could be shunt independent, except under some very specific circumstances. overall, the permanent removal of a shunt is a rare but not unheard of procedure.