What is craniotomy?
A craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which a segment of bone is temporarily removed from the skull - this way the neurosurgeon has direct access to the brain. After the operation, the segment is returned back to the skull.
Craniotomy is prescribed for the treatment of the following diseases:
- Brain tumor
- Hematoma;
- Aneurysm
- Traumatic head injury;
- Foreign body in the brain;
- Swelling of the brain;
- Infection;
- Arteriovenous malformation;
- Epilepsy.
Craniotomy is performed by a neurosurgeon.
The postoperative period can be from one to four weeks - the process depends on the general state of health of the patient and the severity of the disease (that is, why the craniotomy was performed, for what reason).
It may take up to 8 weeks for the body to fully recover.
During the rehabilitation process, you must follow all the instructions of the attending physician. It is not allowed to arbitrarily increase the level of physical activity, and especially if you continue treatment with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The doctor will tell you when you can return to work.
There are different types of craniotomy and the procedures are named according to which part of the head is being operated on.
Examples of positive outcomes of craniotomy include:
- Tumor excision;
- treatment of diseases, conditions;
- Restoration of brain components, bone or blood vessels.
In a large percentage of clinical cases, the goal of this surgical manipulation is to prevent life-threatening complications and improve the quality of life.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24902-craniotomy
