Brain cancer treatment with craniotomy surgery

Brain cancer treatment with craniotomy is performed through a hole in the skull near the tumor's location. Such an operation allows the neurosurgeon direct and relatively convenient access and removes the lesion. However, the surgery is permitted only in cases where the tumor has not spread to nearby tissues. First, the patient's head is fixed on a headrest, and the hair is shaved off. Then, with the help of a preliminary scan, the neurosurgeon determines the most suitable place for craniotomy. The procedure begins with an incision of the scalp. Then, small holes are drilled in the skull with a high-power drill. Next, a craniotome (a surgical instrument for hitting the head) creates a removable bone flap (formed between the holes). Then the tumor is removed. At the end of the operation, the bone flap is put in place and fixed with special clips, and muscles and skin are sewn up. The duration of surgical intervention is about 2. 5 hours. This operation is performed under general or local anesthesia (when there is a need to check brain function during the process). In the second case, the patient is conscious and performs various tests that allow him to control multiple brain functions. Awake Craniotomy avoids the occurrence of postoperative complications and practically minimizes side effects. The recovery lasts several weeks, and various specialists participate in it, from physiotherapists and surgeons to psychologists and speech therapists.