What is a Craniotomy Procedure?
A craniotomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove a portion of the skull to take a sample of brain tissue or to perform brain surgery to treat a condition or injury. For instance, in a case of injury causing brain swelling, a craniotomy can relieve the pressure on the brain. Craniotomy indications include the patient’s conditions such as vascular malformation, brain aneurysms, seizures, brain tumours, or blood clots in the brain.
Types of Craniotomies
Four types of craniotomies are available based on the area of the skull being removed: extended bifrontal craniotomy, eyebrow craniotomy, pterional craniotomy, middle fossa, suboccipital, keyhole craniotomy, and far lateral approach.
| Procedure Name | Craniotomy |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Major Surgery |
| Type of Anaesthesia | General Anaesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | 3-6 Hours |
| Recovery Duration | 2-3 Months |
Craniotomy: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Pre-Surgical Preparations For Craniotomy
The surgeon may conduct neuropsychological tests and brain imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan. Patients may need to stop certain medications and take prescribed drugs before surgery. Additionally, dietary adjustments may be recommended to ensure optimal preparation.
Craniotomy Procedure Steps
A neurosurgeon makes a large incision in the scalp over the skull and inserts a surgical drill to cut through the skull. This results in the removal of a portion of the skull at or near the injury site, exposing the tough covering of the dura mater, which is subsequently lacerated, further exposing the brain.
- If the surgeon wants a tissue sample for tests, a biopsy is taken.
- If the surgery targets any major injury or condition, the surgeon will operate to remove it.
- In rare occurrences of brain aneurysms, the surgeon might use clips to stop the blood flow towards the aneurysm.
- Or they might extract the blood during the procedure to prevent blood clots.
Post-Surgery & Recovery Phase
The patient may have a few small tubes coming out of the skull for 2-3 days that are used for the draining of the blood or excess fluids out of the brain. Then, a brain imaging MRI or CT scan is performed. Later, an initial process of recovery begins in the hospital for 5-7 days, depending on the patient’s overall health and the severity of the condition. A full recovery may take up to a week. Take medications as prescribed by the surgeon and consult whether to continue the pre-surgical prescription.
Benefits of Craniotomy at Yashoda Hospitals
- Remove a tumour
- Treats an underlying condition
- Repairs blood vessels and other components of the brain
- Prevents any life-threatening complications
- Improves lifestyle
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