Final answer:
Matthew's hydrocephalus was treated with the placement of a shunt, which is used to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the abdominal cavity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Matthew's hydrocephalus required the placement of a shunt. A shunt is a device used to treat hydrocephalus by draining excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain to another area of the body, typically the abdominal cavity, where it can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. The procedure involves inserting a small tube, known as a catheter, into the ventricles of the brain. The shunt includes a one-way valve that ensures CSF is drained at the correct rate to prevent complications like overdraining or underdraining. Overdraining can cause the ventricles to collapse, leading to the tearing of blood vessels and potential hemorrhaging, while underdraining leaves too much pressure on the brain. To manage this, some shunts are equipped with an adjustable pressure valve that doctors can modify externally using a special magnet.