Craniotomy is surgery in which part of the skull bone is removed to operate parts of the brain and then that part is repositioned. This surgery may be indicated to remove brain tumors, repair aneurysms, correct skull fractures, relieve intracranial pressure, and remove brain clots, for example in stroke cases.
Craniotomy is a complex procedure that lasts an average of 5 hours, is performed under general anesthesia, and requires an average of 7 days of hospitalization to receive medical care and continue to observe body functions coordinated by the brain, such as speech and body movements. Recovery depends on the type of surgery performed and the person should pay attention to the bandage, keeping the place clean and dry.
Craniotomy is surgery performed on the brain and may be indicated for the following conditions:
This surgery may also be indicated by a neurologist to relieve intracranial pressure caused by a head injury or stroke, and thus reduce swelling in the brain.
Craniotomy can be used to place specific implants for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy, which is a disease of the nervous system characterized by several involuntary electric shocks that result in involuntary body movements. Understand what epilepsy is, what your symptoms are, and your treatment.
Before the onset of craniotomy, it is recommended that the person fast for at least 8 hours and after that period be referred to the hospital surgical center. Craniotomy surgery is performed under general anesthesia, lasts an average of 5 hours, and is performed by a team of surgeons who will make cuts to the head to remove parts of the skull bone to access the brain.
During surgery, doctors will get brain images on computer screens, using CT and MRI, which will help give the exact location of the part of the brain that needs surgery. After the operation on the brain, the part of the skull bone is put back in place and surgical spots are made on the skin.
After performing the craniotomy, the person should be kept under observation in the ICU and then sent to the hospital room, where she can be hospitalized for an average of 7 days to receive antibiotics in the vein, to prevent infections and painkillers. paracetamol, for example.
During the period during which the person enters the hospital, several tests are performed to evaluate brain function and to see if the surgery has caused side effects, such as difficulty seeing or moving a part of the body.
After hospital discharge, it is important to keep the dressing in the place where the surgery was performed, taking care to keep the cut always clean and dry, being important to protect the dressing during bathing. Your doctor may ask to return to the office within the first few days to check for healing and remove the stitches.
Craniotomy is performed by specialists, neurosurgeals, who are well prepared for this procedure, but still, some complications may occur, such as:
Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if, after surgery, you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, changes in vision, excessive sleepiness, mental confusion, weakness of the arms or legs, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain. .