A ventriculoperitoneal (or "VP") shunt is a tube that allows excess fluid to flow from the ventricles in the brain to the inside of the abdomen, where it can be reabsorbed by the body. The flow of this fluid is controlled by a pressure-sensitive valve in the head; in Camilla's case the pressure setting on this valve is externally programmable via a magnetic field. To get the shunt tubing from the head to the abdomen, they have to tunnel under the skin behind the ear and through the neck and chest. It looks rather unpleasant. Camilla has been a little cranky since the surgery, but I think she's starting to feel better.