CRANIOTOMY

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.