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Alternative names Return to top
Craniotomy; Surgery - brain; NeurosurgeryDefinition Return to top
Brain surgery treats lesions of the brain and its surrounding structures through an opening (craniotomy) in the skull (cranium).Description Return to top
The hair on part of the scalp is shaved. The scalp is cleansed and prepared for surgery. An incision is made through the scalp and a hole is drilled through the skull. A piece of the skull is removed (usually temporarily) and the surgery is performed, after which the bone is replaced and secured in place.
Indications Return to top
Brain surgery may be needed to treat:Risks Return to top
Risks for any anesthesia are:Expectations after surgery Return to top
The results depend greatly on the underlying disease being treated, the general health of the patient, the extent of the procedure and the surgical techniques employed.Convalescence Return to top
The recovery time varies from 1 to 4 weeks. Full recovery may take up to 8 weeks. Update Date: 8/10/2003 Updated by: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D, MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |