Brain tumor surgery is a medical procedure performed to remove abnormal growths of tissue within the brain. The goal of the surgery is to excise as much of the tumor as possible while minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue. The specific approach to brain tumor surgery depends on various factors, including the type and location of the tumor, its size, and the overall health of the patient.
Here is an overview of key aspects related to brain tumor surgery :-
Preoperative Assessment
- Before surgery, thorough imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans are conducted to precisely locate and characterize the tumor.
- The patient’s overall health, neurological status, and medical history are assessed.
Types of Brain Tumor Surgery
- Craniotomy: This is the most common type of brain tumor surgery. It involves making an opening in the skull (craniotomy) to access the tumor.
- Endoscopic Surgery: In some cases, minimally invasive techniques using an endoscope may be employed for tumors in certain locations.
- Stereotactic Surgery: This involves using three-dimensional coordinates to precisely locate and target the tumor.
Intraoperative Monitoring
- Advanced imaging techniques and intraoperative monitoring are often used to guide the surgeon and minimize damage to critical brain structures.
Tumor Resection:
- The surgeon carefully removes the tumor, trying to achieve the best possible resection while preserving essential brain functions.
- In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to determine the tumor type before deciding on further treatment.
Postoperative Care:
- Recovery and postoperative care are essential, and patients may be closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) initially.
Rehabilitation:
- Depending on the extent of surgery and the patient’s condition, rehabilitation may be necessary to regain lost neurological functions.
Follow-Up Treatment:
- In some cases, additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended to target any remaining cancer cells.