Brain abscess treatment with craniotomy surgery

Suppose the brain abscess is diagnosed in its late stages when a dense capsule has formed. In that case, it is impossible to cure it without surgery. Open brain surgery, a so-called craniotomy, usually lasts 1 to 3 hours under general anesthesia. The anesthesia type depends on the operation volume and the patient's condition. For example, suppose the abscess is close to the vital brain structures. In that case, local anesthesia is used or alternated: at the beginning of the operation – general anesthesia, and then go local. Since there are no nerve endings in the brain tissue, all surgeries are painless. With the help of a preliminary scan and a neuronavigation system, the neurosurgeon determines the most suitable place for a cranial puncture (trepanation). Hair is shaved on the operating area, and the head is fixed to prevent accidental movement. The procedure begins with cutting the scalp. In bone tissue, a special drill is used to drill a hole, expand it, and open access to the brain. Then, using an aspirator, electric tweezers, or an ultrasonic aspirator, the surgeon carefully removes the abscess with the capsule to avoid its rupture with an outpouring of pus. At the end of the operation, the brain surgeon returns the cranial bone to its place, fixes it with particular clumps, installs drainage, and stitches muscles and skin. After the operation, the doctor prescribes the patient antibiotics, anti-swelling drugs, and anticonvulsants.