A minimally invasive brain surgery, frameless
stereotactic craniotomy involves the use of computed tomography or magnetic
resonance imaging in order to locate a brain lesion before a craniotomy. After
markers are placed around the he to use as a reference point, a
three-dimensional map of the brain is produced in order to identify the best
path to dissect the lesion.
Also
Known As:
- Brain surgery
- Craniotomy
- Brain mapping
- Stereotactic
brain biopsy
- Stereotactic
brain surgery
- Stereotactic
neurosurgery
- Image-guided
stereotactic craniotomy
Conditions
Treated with Frameless Stereotactic Craniotomy:
Frameless stereotactic craniotomy may be performed
in cases of abnormal blood vessels, brain tumors and when a biopsy is needed.
There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to
frameless stereotactic craniotomy. Frame-based stereotactic craniotomy is a
surgical alternative to the procedure.
Anesthesia
with Frameless Stereotactic Craniotomy:
Frameless stereotactic craniotomy is performed under
general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely
unaware during the procedure.
Potential
Complications from Frameless Stereotactic Craniotomy:
Possible risks following frameless stereotactic
craniotomy include infection, hemorrhage, brain swelling, seizures, cerebral
vasospasm and a negative reaction to the anesthesia. It is also possible to
experience stroke and coma.
Recovery
from Frameless Stereotactic Craniotomy:
Total recovery from frameless stereotactic
craniotomy takes one to four weeks.