The word "brain surgery" makes your body tingle, doesn't it? In fact, even when we hear those words, we feel a great burden and fear in our hearts. But today, medical science has advanced a lot. Therefore, it is very important for us to be fully aware of even such seemingly serious things. So, today, let's talk about this brain surgery, or `(Brain Surgery)`, in simple language that you can understand.
Simply put, what is this brain surgery?
Brain surgery is a medical procedure that treats an abnormality or condition in or around your brain. As you know, the brain is the main control center of our body. The brain controls everything from how we speak, think, move, and remember things. So, brain surgery involves treating the problem in the brain in a way that doesn't disrupt these important functions as much as possible.
These surgeries are performed by neurosurgeons , doctors who have the highest level of training and expertise in the brain and nervous system. A team of skilled doctors, including an anesthesiologist, will administer anesthesia to ensure you do not feel any pain during the surgery.
For what reasons is brain surgery performed?
There are many reasons why someone might need brain surgery. For example, sometimes a part of the brain needs to be removed for a condition like epilepsy. Or to remove a brain tumor. And so on:
- To remove blood clots in the brain.
- To repair abnormally dilated blood vessels (brain aneurysms).
- To reduce pressure in conditions such as hydrocephalus, where there is increased pressure inside the brain.
- To treat traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and skull fractures.
- For neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
- To control the damage caused by stroke.
The important thing is that brain surgery is always a last resort. Doctors only resort to surgery if it is absolutely necessary, after trying other treatments.
What are the main types of brain surgery?
Brain surgeries are performed in different ways. It depends on the condition of the patient. Let's look at some of the main types.
| Type of Surgery | A Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Biopsy | Taking a very small sample of brain tissue or fluid to check for cancer cells. This may be a computer-guided stereotactic needle biopsy. |
| Craniotomy | This is what we call 'open brain surgery.' A small part of the skull is removed, the brain is accessed, and the part is reattached after the surgery. This method is used to remove tumors and blood clots. |
| Craniectomy | This is similar to a craniotomy. However, the difference is that because there is a risk of swelling in the brain, the removed skull piece is not immediately reattached. After the swelling in the brain has subsided, it is reattached in a separate surgery (cranioplasty). |
| Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) | A treatment for conditions such as Parkinson's disease and tremors. Electrodes are placed inside the brain and electrical signals are sent from a small external device to control brain activity. |
| Endovascular Surgery | A surgery that is performed without opening the skull. A small incision is made in the groin area and a thin tube called a catheter is passed through a blood vessel into the brain to remove blood clots (thrombectomy) or repair aneurysms. |
| Neuroendoscopy | This is also a minimally invasive procedure. A thin tube (endoscope) with a camera attached is inserted into the brain through the nose or mouth to remove objects such as tumors. There is no need to cut the skull. |
How do you prepare before surgery?
Brain surgery is a very planned procedure. Your doctor will examine you carefully before the operation.
- Medical tests: A physical examination and several blood tests will be done to see if your body is ready for anesthesia and surgery.
- Scans: Tests such as `MRI`, `CT scan`, `PET scan` are used to obtain very clear images of the brain. These images help the surgeon find the exact area to treat.
- Other tips:
- If you are a smoker , you should stop smoking completely a few weeks before surgery. Smoking can cause complications after surgery and delay wound healing.
- You may be asked to stop taking some medications (such as blood thinners) a few days before surgery. You may also be asked to start new medications to reduce brain swelling, prevent infections, and stop seizures.
- Your surgeon will explain the surgery, its risks, and what to expect after the surgery. Ask any questions or concerns you may have at that time .
Did you wake us up during the surgery?
This is a problem that many people have. For some brain surgeries, you are put under general anesthesia and put to sleep.
However, there are some surgeries called "awake brain surgery," which are performed while you are awake. Especially if the tumor is in a critical area of the brain that is involved in speech or movement, doctors want to check whether those functions will be affected during the surgery. In this case, you will be awakened during the surgery and asked to do things like talk, look at a picture, and move an arm or a leg. Don't worry , your skull and skin are numbed, so you won't feel any pain.
What happens after the surgery? And how long does it take to recover?
You will need to stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery. For a minimally invasive procedure, this may be a day or two. However, after an open procedure, you may need to stay for up to 10 days. On the first day, you will be kept in the intensive care unit (ICU) and closely monitored.
- Recovery time: This varies depending on the type of surgery. It can usually take anywhere from six weeks to several months. You may experience fatigue and headaches at first. Your doctor will prescribe medication for this.
- Rehabilitation: Sometimes your speech, walking, and strength may be affected after surgery. Physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists can help you regain those abilities.
- Following medical advice: Going to clinics on time, taking the prescribed medication correctly, and following the doctor's instructions are essential for a speedy recovery.
Risks and symptoms to report to your doctor immediately
As with any surgery, brain surgery carries some risks. Although modern technology has greatly reduced these risks, it is important to be aware of them.
- Common complications: bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia.
- Short-term side effects: memory loss, difficulty speaking (aphasia), dizziness, balance problems.
- Long-term risks: Behavioral changes, memory loss, difficulty speaking or walking.
Symptoms that should be reported to the doctor immediately
It is normal to feel a little discomfort at first after surgery. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms , please notify your doctor immediately.
- Difficulty or inability to control urination.
- Insomnia or constant sleepiness.
- Fever, nausea, or vomiting.
- Severe mental confusion, major change in behavior.
- New difficulty seeing, hearing, or speaking.
- Difficulty walking or new weakness in the limbs.
- Neck stiffness or a headache that is worse than before.
- Numbness or loss of feeling in the limbs.
- Fainting.
If you experience difficulty breathing, seizures, or signs of a stroke, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Brain surgery is a serious, but often life-saving, essential medical procedure.
- In addition to open surgery (craniotomy), there are also modern minimally invasive methods that are performed without opening the skull.
- It is very important to prepare well before surgery and follow the doctor's instructions.
- Recovery takes time, and rehabilitation is often necessary.
- Don't be shy about talking to your doctor about any fears, doubts, or questions you have. Being informed is the best way to overcome fear.
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