General
Information
DEFINITION--Cutting through the skull (cranium) to expose and treat disorders in
the brain or associated tissues.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Scalp; skull; brain and membrane coverings.
REASONS FOR SURGERY
- Removal of blood clots, aneurysms or tumors.
- Repair of tears in the brain's membrane coverings.
- Drainage of a brain abscess.
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Smoking; excess alcohol consumption.
- Chronic illness; recent illness, especially upper respiratory infection.
- Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep
inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
- Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens;
marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--Neurosurgeon.
WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or emergency room.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of skull; angiogram; EEG; CT scan (See Glossary for all).
- During surgery: EEG.
- After surgery: EEG; x-rays of skull; blood studies; CT scan; angiogram (sometimes).
ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube
placed in the windpipe.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- The entire head is shaved. An incision is made in the scalp over the area of suspected
disorder.
- A flap of bone is cut away from the skull and set aside.
- The disorder is located and treated as necessary.
- The bone flap is replaced.
- The scalp is closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed about 1 week
after surgery.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Stroke; seizure.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Brain damage; swelling of the brain caused by the trauma of surgery.
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--10 to 14 days.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing of surgical wounds. Allow about 8
weeks for recovery from surgery.
Postoperative Care
> Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of
deep--vein blood clots.
> You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
> To help recovery and aid your well--
being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving about 3 weeks
after returning home, depending on underlying disorder. Ask your doctor.
DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a
well--balanced diet to promote healing.
Call Your Doctor If
> Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
- You experience nausea, vomiting or constipation.
- You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill
feeling and fever.
- You develop speech difficulties, weakness or paralysis of the face, arms or legs.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
