Craniotomy: Don't be afraid of brain surgery, let's learn about it simply

When we hear the word brain surgery, everyone gets a little nervous, right? It seems like a very serious thing to us. True, it is not a trivial matter. But sometimes such surgeries are necessary to save someone's life. Craniotomy is such a life-saving , special surgery. Today, let's dispel the fear about this and simply talk about what it really is, why it is done, and how it happens.

What is a craniotomy, simply put?

Simply put, this is when a neurosurgeon temporarily removes a piece of your skull bone to access your brain. It's like opening a door, going in, doing whatever you need to do, and then closing the door again. Once the surgery is complete, the removed piece of skull is put back in place.

This is a major operation. Doctors usually resort to this operation in life-threatening situations, such as a brain tumor, a brain hemorrhage, or a head injury from a serious accident.

What is the difference between Craniotomy and Craniectomy?

Although these two words may sound similar, there is a small but very important difference between these two surgeries.

Imagine that in a craniotomy , the bone piece removed from the skull is reattached during the same surgery. But in a craniectomy , the bone piece removed is not reattached right away. If there is swelling in the brain, the skull is left open until the swelling goes down, and then the space is closed with another surgery called a cranioplasty at a later date. That is the main difference.

Are there different types of craniotomy surgery?

Yes, there are several types of this surgery, depending on where the skull is opened to reach the problem in the brain. Although these names may seem a bit strange, they refer to the area of ​​the skull involved.

What types of conditions are treated with a craniotomy?

There are several reasons why this surgery may be performed, all of which involve serious brain conditions.

How should I prepare before surgery?

Before the surgery, your doctor will examine you carefully and plan the surgery carefully. To do this, he will need to perform several tests.

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Special scans such as MRI , CT scan , PET scan or Angiography

After these tests, your doctor will clearly explain the surgery, the possible side effects , the recovery time, and give you instructions on what to do before the surgery.

• You have to go hungry on the day of the surgery.
• If you are taking blood thinners , you will be asked to stop taking them a few days before the surgery.
• You may be asked to start medication, such as antibiotics, early to prevent infection.

What actually happens during surgery?

On the day of the surgery, you will first be anesthetized. This means that you will be given medicine so that you will not feel any pain. You will be asleep throughout the surgery.

Then, in the operating room, the surgical team positions your head in the right position. The area where the surgery will be performed is shaved and cleaned thoroughly to remove any germs. Next, the doctor makes a small incision in the skin and reaches the skull.

Now, using special medical equipment, a piece of skull bone of exactly the right size is carefully removed. This removed piece is kept aside, to be reattached when the surgery is complete.

Then comes the main thing. Once you reach the brain, you do what was the reason for the surgery (like removing a tumor, removing a blood clot, clipping an aneurysm).

Once the work is done, the removed piece of skull is reattached to its original position with small titanium plates and screws, and the skin is carefully sewn together.

Is it true that sometimes this surgery is performed while you're awake?

Yes, that's true. In some special cases, doctors may want to see how your brain is working. Especially if you're having surgery on areas that control speech, vision, or movement, you may be kept awake. But don't worry, only your head is numb at that time. You won't feel any pain.

Typically, a surgery like this can take about 3-5 hours , but the time can vary depending on the complexity of what is being done.

What happens after the surgery?

After surgery, you will be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) . There, the medical team will continue to monitor your condition closely. They will pay attention to everything from your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

In a few days, you will be transferred to a regular ward and will stay in the hospital for about a week. During this time, the main thing to do is to rest in bed with your head slightly elevated. When you go home, you will be given a series of instructions on exactly what to do and how to take care of yourself.

Like all surgeries, are there any risks with this?

Yes, like any surgery, there are some risks. But doctors try their best to minimize these. The possible risks are:

• Bleeding
• Pain
• Infection
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Accumulation of fluid on the brain (Hydrocephalus)
• Coma

Your doctor will clearly discuss all of these risks with you before surgery.

How long does it take to fully recover?

It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover. However, this can vary from person to person and depending on the nature of the surgery. It is best not to do any strenuous activity or exercise until your doctor tells you to. They will tell you when you can return to school and work. Rest is the most important thing at this time.

Can I live a normal life after surgery?

This is a question that many people have. The answer is, yes! Most people recover completely after this surgery and go about their lives normally without any side effects. So don't worry.

If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately!

Once you get home, there are a few things you should be aware of. If you have any of the symptoms below, seek medical advice immediately.