Overview
A craniotomy is the surgical removal of part of the bone from the skull to expose the brain. Specialized tools are used to remove the section of bone called the bone flap. The bone flap is temporarily removed, then replaced after the brain surgery has been done.
About General Brain Surgery
A neurosurgeon performs brain surgery. Brain surgery is done to correct physical abnormalities in the brain. These can be due to birth defects, disease, injury, or other problems.
What is brain surgery?
Brain surgery is a broad term that refers to various medical procedures aimed at repairing structural problems within the brain. These procedures are critical and complex, and the type of brain surgery performed depends highly on the condition being treated.
Brain surgery is performed to correct physical abnormalities in the brain, which can be due to birth defects, disease, injury, or other problems. Conditions that may require brain surgery include abnormal blood vessels, aneurysms, bleeding, blood clots, epilepsy, abscesses, nerve damage or irritation, Parkinson's disease, pressure after head injury, skull fractures, strokes, brain tumors, and fluid buildup in the brain. There are several types of brain surgery:
A craniotomy involves making an incision in the scalp and creating a hole known as a bone flap in the skull. The hole and incision are made near the area of the brain being treated. During open brain surgery, the surgeon may remove tumors, clip off an aneurysm, drain blood or fluid from an infection, or remove abnormal brain tissue.
A biopsy is a procedure used to remove a small amount of brain tissue or a tumor so it can be examined under a microscope. This involves a small incision and hole in the skull.
Minimally invasive endonasal endoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to remove tumors or lesions through your nose and sinuses. It allows them to access parts of your brain without making an incision.
Deep brain stimulation involves inserting electrodes along the brain to stimulate specific regions. A person will also have a pulse generator on their chest.
Advances in medical technology have enabled surgeons to operate on portions of the brain without a single incision in or near the head. However, not all conditions require brain surgery, but many may be helped by it, especially if they pose a risk for more serious health problems.
Who performs brain surgery?
A brain surgery is performed by a neurosurgeon, a medical specialist who has received extensive training in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. This includes conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the structures supporting these areas.
Neurosurgeons undergo rigorous education and training, including four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, and a residency program that lasts for six to seven years. Some neurosurgeons may also complete additional fellowship training in a specific area of neurosurgery. This complex field requires a high level of expertise and precision, reflecting the critical role of the brain in controlling all body functions.
During a brain surgery, the neurosurgeon is supported by a team of highly trained medical professionals. This team typically includes anesthesiologists, who ensure the patient is safely anesthetized during the procedure; nurses, who assist with the surgery and patient care; and sometimes other specialists, such as oncologists, radiation oncologists, and vascular surgeons, depending on the nature of the condition being treated.
Neurosurgeons use a variety of advanced techniques and technologies to perform brain surgery, including microsurgery, endoscopy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and deep brain stimulation. The choice of technique depends on the specific condition of the patient and the location and nature of the problem within the brain. General brain surgery is used for these conditions in or around the brain:
Abnormal blood vessels
An aneurysm
Bleeding
Blood clots
Damage to the protective tissue called the “dura”
Epilepsy
Abscesses
Nerve damage or nerve irritation
Parkinson’s disease
Pressure after head injury
Skull fracture
A Stroke
Brain tumors
Fluid building up in the brain
Although not all of these conditions require brain surgery, the operation may help them. Especially if these conditions pose a risk for more serious health problems.
What are some types of brain surgery?
Craniotomy: Removing a piece of skull to gain access to the brain for removing a brain tumor, abnormal tissue, blood, or blood clot.
Biopsy: Performed when imaging has detected a potential abnormality.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS): An implantable pulse generator implanted to deliver electrical stimulation to specific areas in the brain.
Neuroendoscopy: A minimally invasive technique using an endoscope to access or remove brain tissue.
Posterior fossa decompression: This treatment involves parts of the brain called the cerebellum and brainstem.
Thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair: Using a catheter or thin metal wires through a large blood vessel through a patient’s groin to reach the brain vessels, and by using contrast dye to identify the problematic blood vessel without opening up the skull.
Types of Brain Tumor Surgery
Brain tumor surgery is a critical procedure performed to remove tumors in the brain. There are several types of brain tumor surgeries, each designed to address different types of tumors and their locations within the brain.
Craniotomy: This is the most common type of brain tumor surgery. In a craniotomy, a portion of the skull is removed to access the tumor. The surgeon then removes as much of the tumor as possible. After the procedure, the piece of the skull is replaced.
Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a small piece of the tumor for examination under a microscope. This can be done through a needle biopsy, where a long, thin needle is inserted through a small hole in the skull, or as part of a craniotomy.
Endoscopic Brain Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure uses a small tube called an endoscope. The endoscope is inserted through a small hole in the skull or through the nose to reach the tumor. The surgeon can then remove the tumor or take a biopsy.
Transsphenoidal Surgery: This procedure is used for tumors in the pituitary gland or in the bottom part of the brain. The surgeon reaches the tumor through the nose and sinuses without making an incision in the skull.
Neuroendoscopy: This is a minimally invasive procedure where a small hole is made in the skull, and a small camera is inserted to view the tumor and surrounding brain tissue. Special instruments are then used to remove the tumor.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Despite its name, this isn't a traditional surgery. Instead, it uses focused radiation to treat the tumor.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT): This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to heat and destroy the tumor. It's often used for hard-to-reach tumors or tumors that can't be removed with traditional surgery.
Each of these procedures has its risks and benefits, and the choice of procedure depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. Patients need to discuss these factors thoroughly with their healthcare provider to ensure they are making the best possible decision for their health.
Brain Surgery Side Effects
Problems with speech
Memory struggles
Muscle weakness
Balance issue
Vision loss
Coordination problem
Brain Surgery Recovery
Patients will feel tired for several weeks after brain surgery, as well as headaches or problems concentrating. It can take 4 to 8 weeks to recover from surgery.
Brain Surgery Procedure
Risks and benefits of Brain surgery
Brain surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications. It's important to be aware of these risks and discuss them with your healthcare provider before deciding to undergo the procedure.
One of the primary risks associated with brain surgery is infection. Despite the sterile environment in which the surgery is performed, there is always a chance that bacteria could enter the surgical site, leading to an infection.
Another risk is excessive bleeding. While surgeons take precautions to minimize blood loss during the procedure, there is still a possibility that a significant amount of blood could be lost.
The formation of blood clots is another potential complication. These can form in the legs due to prolonged immobility during and after the surgery. If a clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism.
Injury to nearby nerves is also a risk. Despite the precision with which the surgery is performed, there is a chance that nerves in the vicinity of the surgical site could be damaged, potentially leading to weakness, numbness, or pain.
Patients may also have an adverse reaction to the anesthetic agents used during the procedure. While anesthesiologists carefully monitor patients' reactions to anesthesia, allergic reactions or other adverse effects can still occur.
Finally, there is a risk that the surgery may provide only short-term relief, necessitating further treatment or even additional surgery. This could be due to the disc re-herniating, or other discs becoming herniated.
It's important to note that these risks can vary depending on factors such as your age, overall health, and the specific details of your condition. Therefore, it's crucial to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider about these risks and how they apply to you before deciding to undergo a brain surgery.
What does brain surgery treat or manage?
Brain surgery is a specialized technique used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the brain and the surrounding areas. The brain, being a part of the central nervous system, controls our ability to speak, move, think, and remember. Brain surgery aims to treat underlying conditions in, on, or around the brain without disrupting these important functions.
Brain surgery is used to treat a variety of conditions, such as brain tumors, blood clots, aneurysms, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease. It can help treat brain infections, skull malformations such as craniosynostosis, arteriovenous malformation, or problems with blood vessels in the brain. It can also be used to manage mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
There are many types of brain surgeries. Some of the most common include Biopsy, where a small piece of tissue or fluid sample from the brain is removed for examination; Craniotomy, which involves removing a piece of your skull to access your brain; Deep brain stimulation (DBS), which involves inserting electrodes along the brain to stimulate specific regions; and Endovascular surgery, which occurs when a surgeon makes a tiny cut in your groin and inserts a catheter into a blood vessel. The type of surgery performed depends on the specific condition being treated. It's important to note that brain surgery is usually considered when non-surgical treatments have not been effective.
How to prepare for brain surgery?
Preparing for brain surgery involves several steps to ensure the best possible outcome.
Firstly, it's advisable to stop smoking (if you smoke), eat well, and get regular exercise as soon as you know you're going to have brain surgery. This helps you recover from your operation and reduces your risk of complications.
You'll be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment appointment a few days or weeks before your operation. During this appointment, you may have some blood tests and a general health check to make sure you're fit for surgery, as well as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of your brain. This assessment provides an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns you may have or ask questions about your operation.
Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your procedure. You may need to stop taking certain medications ahead of time, such as blood thinners. You'll usually be asked not to eat or drink for about 6 hours before the operation.
On the day of your operation, you'll be admitted to the hospital. Your surgeon and anesthetist will explain what will happen during the operation, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Before the operation, you'll be asked to sign a consent form to confirm that you understand what's involved and the potential risks.
After the operation, it's important to follow the recommended recovery guidelines. This includes using the log roll technique to avoid any twisting movement of your back when getting in and out of bed. You should also maintain good posture when sitting to reduce stress on your back. Avoid sitting for long periods of time and make sure to stand up and move around regularly.
In conclusion, preparing for brain surgery involves a combination of physical preparation, medical assessments, and understanding the procedure and recovery process. It's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and ask any questions you may have to ensure you're fully prepared for the procedure.
What happens during and after Brain Surgery?
During brain surgery, the patient is typically placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the scalp and removes a portion of the skull to access the brain. The surgeon then removes or repairs the portion of the brain that is causing the issue. This could involve removing a tumor, repairing an aneurysm, or addressing a severe head injury. The procedure is performed by highly skilled neurosurgeons, who are supported by a team of medical professionals.
In some cases, especially if a doctor is operating on areas of the brain that affect speech or communication, a person may need to be awake during surgery. An anesthesiologist will give numbing medication. During the surgery, a person may expect to hear sounds such as drilling, feel pressure on the head, and interact with the surgeon.
After the surgery, you will wake up in recovery, and after about an hour you will be transferred to the neurosurgical floor or to the NCCU (neurosurgical intensive care unit). Your nursing staff will continually monitor you for any signs of a complication, and measure your pulse, blood pressure, limb strength, and level of alertness. During the first night in the hospital, you will be awakened for these observations.
Most brain surgery patients spend two to three days in the hospital after surgery. When your care team determines you can get around, shower, and dress yourself, you will get a repeat CT scan of your head. If the surgical site looks okay, you will be released and can go home.
General Brain Surgery in Iran
Equipped hospitals, clinics, and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also, good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who need brain surgery.
Cost of general brain surgery in Iran
The cost of brain surgery in Iran is significantly more affordable compared to many other countries. The exact cost can depend on various factors, including the specific hospital and surgeon, the patient's condition's complexity, and whether additional procedures are required.
On average, the cost of a brain tumor surgery in Iran starts from around $2000. However, the cost can range between $5000 to $7500 depending on the complexity of the surgery. Another source suggests that the cost of brain tumor surgery in Iran starts from $12,000. This is significantly less than the cost of the same procedure in many Western countries. For instance, in the United States, the average cost of a brain surgery can range from $15,000 to $35,000 or more. This makes Iran an attractive destination for medical tourism, particularly for patients seeking high-quality, affordable brain surgery.
It's important to note that the quoted cost usually includes the surgeon's fee, hospital charges, and anesthesia fees. However, it may not include other potential costs such as pre-operative tests, post-operative medications, physical therapy, and any necessary follow-up visits. With top-rated neurosurgeons, modern medical facilities, and affordable prices, Iran has become a popular destination for patients seeking brain surgery.
