Craniotomy is utilized during brain surgery. It consists of making an incision in the skull and removing a bone flap, which is a part of the skull, in order to provide access to the brain. The bone is replaced after the surgery, sometimes with a bone graft.
Also Known As:
- Brain surgery
- Cranial surgery
Conditions Treated with a Craniotomy:
A craniotomy may be used in a brain surgery that is repairing an injury, removing a tumor, stopping bleeding or an infection, or implanting electrodes in order to monitor seizure activity. A craniotomy is most often utilized in surgeries where patients have brain lesions or have suffered a brain injury.
Alternatives to a craniotomy are dictated by the conditions that are fixed by brain surgery. For example, chemotherapy or radiation may instead be used to treat a brain tumor.
Anesthesia with a Craniotomy:
A craniotomy is performed with general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.
Potential Complications from a Craniotomy:
Possible risks of a craniotomy include infection, bleeding, and a negative reaction to the anesthesia that is used. Other potential complications include blood clotting, seizures, muscle weakness and brain swelling.
Prognosis after a Craniotomy:
The prognosis for a positive end result following a craniotomy is good.
Recovery from a Craniotomy:
Recovery from a craniotomy takes up to eight weeks.
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