Craniotomy is the most common technique used to remove the brain tumor. It is a surgical procedure to temporarily remove of a part of the bone from the skull, for better access to the intracranial area of the brain.
Brain Tumor Surgery Cost from trusted Hospitals in Delhi NCR
Craniotomy is the most common technique used to remove the brain tumor. It is a surgical procedure to temporarily remove of a part of the bone from the skull, for better access to the intracranial area of the brain. Depending on the location of the tumor and accessibility, it either completely or partially removed. If tumor is partially removed, then chemotherapy or radiotherapy are also required for treatment.
The temporarily removed portion of the skull, called bone flap, is replaced to its original position and fastened to its place with screws and plates.
Depending on which portion of the skull is removed and replaced on, the procedure is categorized into Frontal, Pterional or Junctional Crainotomy.
A craniotomy that involves the use of a camera with a lighted scope inserted through a small incision in the skull is called an endoscopic craniotomy. When imaging and computer assisted navigation system are used in a craniotomy procedure, it is called stereotactic craniotomy.
Apart from treating brain tumor, craniotomy is also recommended for:
- Diagnose the type of brain tumor
- Insert chemotherapy chips in the brain
- Insert a medicated plastic capsule or a ventricular access device to administer cancer drugs
First of all, the doctor will suggest a biopsy to figure out the type of tumor. Brain biopsy is generally conducted as a day care procedure.
Basis the biopsy, the doctor will form a treatment plan and will instruct the following:
- Stopping blood thinning medications, at least 10 days before the surgery
- Fasting for 8 to 10 hours prior to the procedure
- Washing hair a night prior to surgery, and ensuring dry hair so that head can be shaved properly.
Brain Tumor Surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia by an experienced neurosurgeon, and can take upto 4 to 8 hours.
During the procedure, the surgeon will
- Shave the part of the head to be operated on and the skin will be cleansed.
- Insert an IV line in the arm and a urinary catheter to drain the urine.
- Depending on the type of the procedure, make an incision from behind the ear to the nape of the neck, or in another location depending on the location of the procedure. For endoscopic surgery, incisions are smaller.
- Pull the scalp back and access the brain. Drill or medical saw may be used to cut the skull.
- Bone flap is removed, and thick covering below the bone is separated from the bone. Fluid is allowed to flow out.
- Tumor in the brain is removed using a specialized equipment. In some cases, tumor is removed partially.
- Once the surgery is complete, the bone flaps are reattached. This is done with the use of medical screws and plates
- Suture the incision and apply the bandage.
After the procedure is complete, the patient is generally required to stay in the hospital for 7 to 15 days. If the tumor is partially removed, then the patient is generally recommended chemotherapy or radiotherapy to completely treat the tumor.
Some swelling in the head may be observed after the surgery. During the hospital stay, there will be frequent checks to ensure the body is in coordiantion with brain. For example, pupils will be checked by flashing light on the eye, strength of arms and legs will be tested.
After discharge, the doctor will recommend
- Doing deep breating exercises, allowing the lungs to expand and contract, thereby preventing pneumonia
- Walking around a little to prevent clotting of blood in the legs and ensuring faster recovery
- Exercising with the help of a physiotherapist
- To avoid lifting heavy objects for a few weeks
Complete recovery takes 2 to 3 months after the procedure.
Brain tumor surgery is a complicated procedure which may have the following risks and complications:
- Brain hemorrhage (bleeding)
- Seizures
- Pneumonia and infection in the lungs
- Swelling of the brain
- Meningitis
- Formation of blood clots
- Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
- In rare cases, paralysis or memory problems
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