Pronounced: Crane-knee-ah-toe-me
A craniotomy is a surgery done on the head. The surgeon cuts through the skull to reach the brain. There are different types of craniotomies, including:
The success of this surgery depends on the reason for the surgery. The most common reasons for a craniotomy include:
If you are planning to have a craniotomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:
If your surgery is planned, your doctor will review the surgery and what to expect afterwards. At your appointment before your surgery, your doctor may:
Be sure to ask your doctor any questions that you have, such as:
Other things to remember:
General anesthesia is used for most craniotomies. General anesthesia will block any pain and keep you asleep during the surgery. It is given through an IV (needle) in your hand or arm.
If you have an awake craniotomy, you will be given general anesthesia. You will be awake for part of the surgery.
If you have stereotaxy surgery, you may be given local anesthesia. This blocks just the area where surgery will happen.
Once you are asleep and no longer feeling any pain, a breathing tube will be placed. Your head will be shaved and your skin washed with an antiseptic. The surgeon will cut into part of your scalp. Next, part of your skull will be removed and your brain covering will be opened. Depending on the reason for your surgery, several things may happen: a tumor may be removed, a part of your brain tissue may be taken (biopsy), a tube may be placed, or repairs to your brain or its vessels may be done. The brain opening will then be sewn back into place and your skull replaced. Staples or stitches will be used to close the cut. A drain may be inserted to remove blood and fluid for the first few days after surgery. A dressing will be wrapped around your head.
After your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. If all is well, your breathing tube will likely be removed. Your mental status and vital signs (temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respirations) will be checked often. After being in the recovery room, you may spend some time in the intensive care unit (ICU) or step-down unit, before being moved to a hospital room. This will depend on the reason for your surgery.
Several hours (depending on the type and reason for surgery)
During surgery, you will feel no pain. After surgery, you will be given pain medicine to manage any pain.
3-7 days (Your doctor may keep you longer if complications arise.)
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911.
RESOURCES:
American Brain Tumor Association
http://www.abta.org/
National Brain Tumor Foundation
http://www.braintumor.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada
http://www.braintumour.ca/braintumour.nsf/eng/home
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
References:
The essential guide to brain tumors. National Brain Tumor Foundation website. Available at: http://www.braintumor.org/upload/contents/330/GuideFINAL2007.pdf. Accessed September 15, 2009.
Guide to the care of the patient with craniotomy post-brain tumor resection. American Association of Neurological Nurses website. Available at: http://www.aann.org/pubs/cpg/craniotomy.pdf. Accessed September 15, 2009.
Polsdorfer R. Surgical procedures for brain tumors. EBSCO Health Library. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15&topicID=81. Last reviewed February 2009. Updated April 4, 2009. Accessed September 15, 2009.
Professional Guide to Diseases. 9th ed. Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009.
White-Guthro M. Craniotomy. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16&topicID=860. Published April 3, 2009. Accessed September 15, 2009.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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