Craniotomy in India

What is craniotomy?
Craniotomy is a surgical procedure that aims at creating an opening in the skull. This is done by making a small bone flap that can be removed temporarily to access the brain. The size of the flap varies depending upon the problem that is being addressed. The procedure is used to treat problems like brain tumour, aneurysms and traumatic head injuries or to remove blood clots and foreign objects from the brain. Craniotomy may also be recommended for the treatment of chronic swelling or infection in the brain. Once the procedure is carried out, the bone flap is carefully replaced with the help of tiny screws and plates. In some cases, the surgeon may choose to remove the bone flap completely. This is referred to as craniectomy. 

The size and complexity of the craniotomy vary from one patient to another. Craniotomy offers a minimally invasive approach to access the affected areas of the brain. Procedures carried out via craniotomy involve the use of stereotactic frames and image-guidance techniques to guide the surgical instruments. 

Craniotomy may be performed for any of the following reasons:

• For inserting a shunt into the ventricle to treat hydrocephalus 
• During Deep brain stimulation surgery, to insert the device
• For inserting an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor
• For collecting tissue samples for biopsy
• For draining blood clots to prevent stroke
• For extracting malignant or benign tumours

If the surgical site is close to critical speech areas, your surgeon may recommend awake craniotomy for proper mapping, so as to avoid unnecessary damage to your speech function. 
Things you need to know

• The procedure may take anywhere between 3 to 5 hours, depending upon the underlying problem that is to be treated. 
• You will be hospitalized for around 3 days to a week, depending upon your overall convalescence. 

How Treat India helps you to find the best healthcare facility in India?

Over the past few years, India has become one of the leading hubs for medical tourism, attracting lakhs of patients from across borders and seas. With hundreds and thousands of options to choose from, it becomes rather difficult to make your decision. With a curated list of around 101 Hospitals & Clinics and 95 doctors & surgeons, Treat India is your ultimate guide to finding quality treatment in India.

 We provide you with access to the top Neurosurgeons specializing in Craniotomy so as to give you a hassle-free experience and help you make an informed decision, ensuring the right optimization of your time and finances.  

Connect with us to know more about your treatment and how we plan your medical journey with our experts.

 How to prepare for the treatment? 

• You will be required to go for one or more preoperative appointments during which your overall health will be evaluated 
• You will be required to undergo detailed physical and neurological examination, blood tests, and imaging tests like CT scan and MRI. 
• The surgical site will be determined to curate a proper treatment protocol to be followed
• You will be required to fast, starting 12 hours prior to the surgery

Procedure involved

• You will be required to lie down or sit on a chair, depending upon the area of the brain that is to be operated upon. 
• Your head will be held in a still position with the help of a special device.
• An intravenous line will be introduced in your arm or hand followed by a dose of general anaesthesia.
• The surgical site will be shaved and cleaned to negate the risks of infection
• The surgeon will make a small incision on your scalp and remove a bone flap with the help of a drill. 
• Next, the surgeon will carefully cut through the outermost layer of the brain, i.e., the dura mater, to access the brain.
• Once the problem is addressed, or the tissue sample is collected, the bone flap will be replaced. And the wound will be stitched up and cleaned.

What to expect after the treatment?

• You are likely to feel slight soreness at the surgical site for a few days following the surgery
• You need to take the prescribed medicines religiously
• You need to avoid indulging in rigorous physical activities and return back to your normal activity level gradually.
• You should avoid lifting heavy objects 
• Potential risks that you need to know about
• Meningitis or brain inflammation 
• Brain or spine infection
• Loss of speech
• Persistent vegetative state