Brain Surgery

Brain surgery is a procedure that treats tumors, leaky blood vessels, aneurysms or epilepsy. There are different types of brain surgeries that are both invasive and noninvasive so a surgeon can access your brain. You may be awake during brain surgery. Brain surgery takes careful planning and rehabilitation to help you feel better.
Particulars Details
Number of days at hospital (Estimated) 4-5 days
Number of days in India outside hospital (Estimated) 2-3 weeks
Treatment’s Success Rate 95% and above
Tests required to help assess the treatment X-ray, regular blood tests and MRI in certain cases

What is Brain surgery?

Brain surgery is a procedure that treats brain abnormalities or issues within your brain and the surrounding areas. The brain is part of your central nervous system. It controls your ability to speak, move, think and remember. Brain surgery treats underlying conditions in, on or around your brain without disrupting your body’s important functions.

There may be several reasons why someone would need brain surgery. A surgeon might remove some of your brain (for seizures) or a growth in your brain (brain tumor). Brain surgery can relieve pressure on your brain, whether it be from blood or increased cerebrospinal fluid (hydrocephalus). Surgeons can also treat blood vessels that are abnormal, such as aneurysms.
Risks are possible with brain surgery and you’ll need to stay in the hospital after your procedure so your care team can monitor your healing.

Types of Brain Surgery

There are many types of brain surgery. Some of the most common include:

  • Biopsy
  • Craniotomy
  • Craniectomy
  • Neuroendoscopy
  • DBS
  • Laser ablation
Biopsy
A biopsy means taking a small tissue sample from your brain and looking at it under a microscope. This helps your doctors decide the best treatment for you.
YThere are different types of biopsies. The difference between them is the way the surgeon does the biopsy. You might have:
  • a biopsy as part of the operation to remove the tumour
  • a needle biopsy
  • an open biopsy
  • a neuroendoscopy
Craniotomy
A craniotomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion of the skull to access the brain. This procedure is performed for various reasons, such as removing brain tumors, treating brain injuries, relieving intracranial pressure, or repairing aneurysms.
  • Removal of brain tumors (both malignant and benign).
  • MRI or CT scans to locate the problem area precisely.
  • Draining abscesses or treating brain infections.
  • Risk of bleeding during or after the surgery.
Craniectomy
A craniectomy is a surgical procedure where a portion of the skull is removed to relieve pressure on the brain. This procedure is often performed in emergency situations, such as after a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other conditions that lead to brain swelling. Here are some key points about craniectomy:
  • Severe head injuries that cause brain swelling.
  • Risk of meningitis or other infections.
  • Risk of hemorrhage during or after surgery.
  • The bone flap (or a synthetic substitute) is reattached to the skull.
Neuroendoscopy
Neuroendoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions within the brain. It involves the use of an endoscope, a small flexible tube equipped with a camera and light, which allows surgeons to navigate and operate within the brain through small openings.
  • Minimally Invasive: Small incisions, reduced trauma.
  • Enhanced Visualization: Clear, magnified view of brain structures.
  • Precision: Targeted removal or repair of brain tissue.
  • Recovery: Shorter hospital stay, faster healing.
DBS
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure used to treat various neurological conditions, primarily Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and essential tremor. The procedure involves implanting electrodes into specific areas of the brain. These electrodes are connected to a pulse generator, similar to a pacemaker, implanted under the skin in the chest. The device sends electrical impulses to the targeted brain regions, which helps modulate abnormal brain activity and alleviate symptoms.
  • Treats neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's).
  • Implants electrodes in brain.
  • Electrical stimulation alters brain activity.
  • Reduces symptoms, improves quality of life.
Laser ablation
LASER Ablation Brain Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses focused laser heat to precisely remove or destroy abnormal brain tissue. It involves making a small incision and is guided by real-time MRI imaging to ensure accuracy.
  • Minimally Invasive: Small incision, reduced risk.
  • Precision: Targeted removal of abnormal tissue.
  • Heat Energy: Laser creates thermal ablation.
  • Real-time Monitoring: MRI guidance ensures accuracy.

Who Require a Brain Surgery ?

  • Brain Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors may require surgical removal.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury: Severe injuries may necessitate surgery to reduce swelling or remove damaged tissue.
  • Vascular Disorders: Conditions like aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations may require surgical intervention.
  • Epilepsy: Surgery may be considered for patients whose seizures are not controlled with medication.
  • Hydrocephalus: Excess cerebrospinal fluid may require surgical shunting or treatment.

Tests Required For Brain Surgery

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of brain structures.
  • CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Offers cross-sectional images for precise planning.
  • EEG (Electroencephalogram): Measures electrical activity in the brain.
  • Neuropsychological Testing: Assesses cognitive function and memory.

During The Knee Replacement Surgery

The knee replacement takes around two-three hours and is conducted under general anesthesia that renders the patient unconscious. It is administered through the IV line. Along with this, a urinary catheter may also be inserted.
Following the administration of anesthesia, the doctor keeps a track of the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure level. The surgeon makes the incisions in the knee area. The incision is larger in the case of total knee replacement and shorter in the case of partial knee replacement.

Following the incision, the surgeon carefully removes the damaged parts of the knee joint. The surgeon then places the prosthetic knee joint which is made up of metal and plastic.

This prosthetic knee joint is especially designed for the knee and resembling the anatomical structure of the knee joint comprises tibial component, the femoral component, and the patellar component

After The Knee Replacement Surgery

The patient is taken out of the OT and taken to the recovery room. In the recovery room, the patient is kept under observation and the vital organs are constantly monitored.The patient may wake up with discomfort and pain. However, painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines are administered in case of excruciating pain.

A knee replacement surgery cannot be performed on an outpatient basis anywhere. It requires a hospital stay of three-four days. On the first day after surgery, the patient will meet with the physical therapist who will advise the patient to walk about with the help of crutches.

Physical therapy sessions following knee replacement surgery may be painful, but it is extremely important to follow them so that the new knees are able to function just as well as a healthy knee.

A Continuous Passive Motion machine (CPM) is used during one’s hospital stay. This device is attached to the affected leg and keeps surrounding areas of the knee in motion. This helps with speeding up recovery time and reducing post-operative complications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Surgery

Brain surgery may be necessary for conditions such as tumors, aneurysms, vascular malformations, epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and certain neurological disorders.
Brain surgery carries risks like infection, bleeding, neurological deficits, and anesthesia complications. However, advancements in techniques and technology have reduced risks significantly.
Common types include craniotomy (opening the skull), minimally invasive procedures (e.g., endoscopic surgery, stereotactic surgery), and functional neurosurgery (e.g., deep brain stimulation).
Recovery varies based on the procedure and individual health. Generally, hospital stay ranges from a few days to a week, with full recovery taking weeks to months depending on the complexity of the surgery.
Cognitive changes can occur depending on the location and extent of surgery. Neurocognitive assessments and rehabilitation may be necessary for some patients.
Preparation involves thorough medical evaluation, discussion with your neurosurgeon about risks and benefits, understanding the procedure, and following pre-operative instructions regarding diet, medications, and lifestyle.
Brain surgery can alleviate symptoms and sometimes cure conditions like tumors, epilepsy, and certain movement disorders. However, outcomes vary depending on the specific condition and individual factors.
Expect to undergo anesthesia, have your head secured, and potentially be awake for parts of the procedure (depending on the surgery type). Monitoring devices and imaging tools guide the surgeon throughout the operation.