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Craniotomy Surgery in Pune

Craniotomy

Craniotomy Surgery in Pune

A craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which a part of the skull bone is temporarily removed to expose the brain during certain neurosurgery procedures. Neurosurgeons in Pune use specialized tools to temporarily remove the bone flap and replace it after the surgery is completed.

Why Is It Done?

A craniotomy is a procedure which neurosurgeons may recommend for varied reasons. Some of these are:

  • Diagnosis, removal and treatment of brain tumours

  • Removing blood or blood clots from the leaking blood vessel.

  • Draining a brain abscess

  • Repairment of a tear in dura mater.

  • Relieving intracranial pressure

  • To implant stimulator devices for treating movement disorders.

  • Clipping or repairing an aneurysm.

  • Treatment of epilepsy.

  • Repairment of skull fractures.

The doctors may suggest a craniotomy for other reasons as well. Consult a Neurosurgery Hospital in Pune if you require a craniotomy. 

Risks

Like any other surgery, craniotomy also has associated risks and complications. Some of these include:

  • Infection

  • Bleeding

  • Unstable blood pressure

  • Muscle weakness

  • Swelling

  • Leakage of the cerebrospinal fluid

  • Blood clotting

  • Seizures

  • Pneumonia 

It is advisable for patients to share their medical history and any pre-existing condition with their doctors before the surgery to minimize the chances of complications.

Preparation

  • The doctors will perform a physical exam with a complete medical checkup before the surgery. 

  • Doctors may also ask the patients to get blood and diagnostic tests.

  • The patient receives a preoperative exam to compare with post-operative exams.

  • The patient is required to follow dietary restrictions before the surgery. They may also have to stop their medications (prescribed/over-the-counter/herbal supplements). The doctors will ask them to stop blood-thinning medicines before the surgery.

  • The patient may get a special antiseptic shampoo to wash their hair before the surgery.

  • Before the procedure, the patient will get a sedative to help them relax. 

  • The team will shave the areas around the surgical site.

During the Procedure

The patient changes into a hospital gown. 

  • The nurse inserts an IV line in the arm or hand and a urine catheter to drain the urine.

  • As the patient comes to the operating table, the medical staff monitors the cardiovascular health parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen level and breathing) during the surgery.

  • Next, the team will shave the head and use an antiseptic solution to clean the surgical site.

  • The surgeon marks an incision as per the requirement.

  • The head will be held in place by a device.

  • The surgeon clips the patient's scalp to control bleeding.

  • The doctors will use a medical drill and saw to make burr holes in the skull to cut the bone.

  • The surgeon removes the bone flap and saves it. The Dura mater will be separated from the bone and carefully cut open to expose the brain.

  • The doctors may place a drain or a monitor to check the tissue pressure in the skull region.

  • After the surgery, the surgeon sews the layers of the tissue together and reattaches the bone flap using plates, wires or sutures.

  • The scalp will be closed with surgical staples or sutures. 

  • The surgeon will apply a sterile bandage or dressing over the incision.

  • After the craniotomy procedure, the patient stays in the hospital for 3 to 7 days for monitoring and post-operative care. 

After The Procedure

  • After the surgery, the patient goes to a recovery room for observation. The nurse checks their vital health parameters such as blood pressure, pulse and breathing continuously before shifting them to the ICU. Pain medications are provided as the anaesthesia wears off.

  • The patients get medicines to reduce brain swelling. They may also need oxygen support for some time after the surgery at the hospital.

  • The nursing staff will teach deep-breathing exercises and perform neurological checks to check brain and body function.

  • A physiotherapist helps the patient to regain mobility and balance. The nurses support movement up to one's comfort level and guide the patient in their healing journey.

  • The diet of the patients will gradually transition from liquids to semi-liquids to solid foods. 

  • The patient may have a urine catheter to drain the urine until the patient begins routine movement.

At Home

The patient must 

  • Take care of the incision site and keep it clean and dry.

  • Avoid wearing a wig or any covering material that may cause irritation.

  • Take a pain reliever for headaches and soreness.

  • Take prescribed medicines promptly as per the doctor's recommendation

  • Practice breathing exercises to avoid lung infection.

  • Increase physical activity gradually only.

  • Refrain from smoking and avoid crowded places for hygiene.

  • Avoid lifting heavy objects or straining their body in any manner. 

  • Avoid driving until complete recovery (3 to 4 weeks).

  • Contact the doctor on experiencing fever, chills, drainage, bleeding, redness, swelling, trouble breathing and speech, increased pain, confusion or seizure activity.

After the procedure, the patient must ask the doctor to resume routine activities like driving, swimming, and regular workouts. 

Why Manipal Hospitals?

Manipal Hospitals are pioneers in diagnosing and treating neurological issues in the country. The Neurological and Neurosurgery department has the best treatments to offer under the aegis of world-renowned expert neurosurgeons. 

The state-of-the-art hospital boasts of the latest technological advances and surgical practices like minimally invasive surgery, robotics-assisted brain surgery, deep-brain stimulation and intraoperative MRI. 
Manipal Hospitals are the best neurosurgery hospitals across India. Our neuroscience department has conducted thousands of complex surgeries successfully.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How long does it take to recover after a craniotomy?

Craniotomy takes around 4 to 8 weeks to recover after the surgery. The patient stays in the hospital for 4 to 7 days after the surgery.

  • Are there any side effects of a Craniotomy?

Medical procedures can have side effects as they change. Some of the possible complications associated with a craniotomy are:

  • Head scarring.

  • Dent at the site of bone flap removal.

  • Damage to the sinuses.

  • Infection of the bone flap or skin.

  • Seizures.

  • Brain swelling.

  • Injury from the head device.

  • Facial nerve damage.

  • What precautions must the patient take for quick recovery after the craniotomy?

  • Taking rest

  • Not colouring or perming hair. 

  • Not lifting heavy things.

  • Avoid lying down without pillows.

  • How painful is a Craniotomy?

Craniotomy is performed under anesthesia and doctors provide pain management medication The patients get pain relievers to counter the pain in the first few days of the surgery. 

  • How does one feel after Craniotomy?

The patients may feel tired after the surgery as the pain medicines wear off. During the recovery, the patients must limit their physical activities and take as much rest as possible for faster recovery. 

Summary

Craniotomy Surgery in Pune involves removing the part of a skull bone to expose the brain, as part of a surgical procedure for brain and skull-related issues.  Doctors recommend craniotomy to check for tumours, blood clots, intracranial pressure, abscess, aneurysm or other things.

The procedure involves removing the bone and the layers (dura mater) to expose the surgical site. Special saws and medical drills help to make holes and cut the skull bone. 
Before the procedure, the doctors will conduct a few diagnostic tests and tell the patients about the dietary and medication restrictions. The patient may have to fast after midnight before the surgery and will have to wash their head with an antiseptic shampoo. 

After the surgery, the patient remains in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. Initially, they are kept in the ICU until their vitals are normal and the chances of complications have subsided. Some associated complications with the procedure are infection, bleeding, seizures, facial nerve damage, brain swelling, blood clotting, and cerebrospinal fluid drainage. 

The patient may take up to 8 weeks to recover after surgery. The patient will be encouraged to increase their overall movement and physical work gradually. They may need rehabilitation and physical therapy to help them regain strength, balance and mobility.

Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.

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