CRANIOTOMY

What is craniotomy?
A craniotomy is the surgical removal of part of the bone from the skull to expose the brain .

Inside our skull ,three layers of tissues called meninges surrounds our brain

Blood vessels called bridging veins connect the surface of our brain with dura mater

Other blood vessels called cerebral arteries bring blood to our brain

Normal brain function requires a delicate balance of pressure between blood and blood pressures

The cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds our brain and brain tissue.this is called normal intracranial pressure.

Increased intracranial pressure may result from
~ Brain tumour
~ Head injuries
~ Blood vessel problems
~ Brain or spinal cord infection

These conditions put pressure on our brain and may cause it to swell or change shape inside our skull which can lead to serious brain injury

CRANIOTOMY IS DONE TO REMOVE:

• Abnormal brain tissue
• Blood clot
• Excess cerebrospinal fluid
• Pus from an infection
• Relieve brain swelling
• Stop bleeding
• Repair blood vessels

The most common reason for a craniotomy is to remove a brain tumor

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE:-

• General anaesthesia
• Scalp shaved over tumor area

To begin,surgeon will make an incision in our scalp

One or more small holes will be made in our skull

Then will make an incision in dura mater to expose our brain

Tumor is removed

The incision in dura mater will be closed with sutures

Then reattach the bone flap with metal plates

We may have variations on a craniotomy called craniectomy

WHAT IS CRANIECTOMY?

• craniectomy is a neurosurgical procedure in which part of the skull is removed to allow a swelling brain room to expand without being squeezed.

Difference between craniotomy and craniectomy

Both involves similar procedure removing a portion of the skull , the difference is that after craniotomy the bone flap is replaced and after craniectomy it is not immediately replaced

If brain is very swollen or skull is infected
Then surgeon may delay reattaching the bone flap

If we have craniectomy ,we will have another procedure called cranioplasty at a later date after the swelling goes down

At that time bone flap will be reattached

At the end of the either craniotomy or a craniectomy ,our scalp incision will be closed with staples

And head will be wrapped in bandages

AFTER EITHER PROCEDURE:-

• Stay in hospital for few days
• Brain functions will be checked
• Medication to prevent complications

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