A hydrocephalus shunt can be permanent but there are cases where the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts malfunctioned and are required to be repaired or replaced. Reports show that a VP shunt is not equipped to work forever as sooner or later, it may require to be repaired or replaced with additional surgeries.
In general, a VP shunt is safe but there are still some risks after the surgery, such as malfunctions and infections. If a VP shunt malfunctions, the patient is at risk of having another buildup of fluid in the brain. When a VP shunt malfunctions, the patient needs to go through another surgery to get it fixed and treated.