Frequently Asked Questions

What is Craniotomy?

A Craniotomy is surgical removal of a part of the skull. This helps to access part of the brain. Special tools are used by the surgeon to remove the bone flap. The surgeon replaces the bone flap after the Craniotomy and closes it with the surrounding bone with the titanium plates and screws.


What are the indications of Craniotomy?

The following are the indications of Craniotomy:

1. Diagnose brain tumors
2. Remove or treat brain tumors
3. Repair or clip an aneurysm
4. Remove an arteriovenous malformation (abnormal mass of blood vessels)
5. Remove the blood clots in the brain
6. Perform biopsy
7. Perform aspiration
8. Treat the fractures of the skull
9. Implant a device

What is the preparation for Craniotomy?

The following are the preparation steps for Craniotomy:

1. One should know all the benefits, risks, and complications associated with Craniotomy.
2. Discuss with the doctor about past and present medical and medication history.
3. The doctor may examine the head and skull for the presence of any active infections.
4. Take all the medications as instructed by the doctor.
5. The patient should sign a consent form before the surgery.
6. The patient will be provided with a medical soap to wash the hair.
7. Hair is shaved off on a specific area of the head or complete head.

What are the steps involved in Craniotomy?

The following are the steps involved in Craniotomy:

1. The patient is placed on the operating table with the best access to the side of the brain that is to be operated.
2. The patient will be on general anesthesia to numb the area and to reduce the pain.
3. An IV is inserted in the arm to send fluids and medicines.
4. Various types of incisions are made by the doctor depending on the medical condition of the patient.
5. Sometimes if the endoscope is used then the incisions will be smaller.
6. The part of the scalp is pulled and clipped to control bleeding.
7. A medical drill is used to make holes in the skull of the patient.
8. The bone flap which is removed is saved.

What is the post-surgery care/recovery care for Craniotomy?

The following are the post-care steps to be followed after Craniotomy:

1. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to avoid infection.
2. There may be some pain at the site of operation.
3. Painkillers will be prescribed by the doctor to reduce the pain.
4. Make appointments with the doctor to check the healing process.
5. Should sleep keeping the head elevated to avoid swelling of the face.

Who can perform Craniotomy [Right specialist for Craniotomy]?

A Craniotomy can be performed by a certified and skilled:

1. Neurosurgeon
2. Brian Surgeon

What is the cost of a Craniotomy?

Cost of Craniotomy depends on factors such as:

1. Admission fee
2. Doctor fee
3. Age of the patient
4. Type of surgery planned to be performed.
5. The medical condition of the patient
6. Post-surgical complications that are involved
7. Type of hospital
8. The admission room that you opted for
9. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc

Minimum charges in Mumbai starts from Rs.91,985

Average cost in Mumbai is approximately Rs.2,10,491

Maximum price in Mumbai may rise up to Rs.3,07,489

Is Craniotomy a major surgery or minor surgery?

A Craniotomy is a major procedure as it involves opening a part of the skull and closing it.

What is the eligibility criteria for Craniotomy?

Individuals who can undergo Craniotomy are:

1. Individuals suffering from severe headache, seizures, and vomiting
2. People diagnosed with brain aneurysms
3. People with a deformed skull
4. Individuals suffering from blood leakage in the brain

What is the ineligibility criteria for Craniotomy?

Individuals who cannot undergo Craniotomy are:

1. Individuals with an active infection
2. Individuals who underwent recent Craniotomy
3. People with a weak immune system

What are the risks and complications associated with Craniotomy?

The following are the risks involved in Craniotomy:

1. Bleeding
2. Infection
3. Blood clots
4. Seizures
5. Brain swelling
6. Muscle weakness
7. Infection of the lungs
8. Unstable blood pressure
9. Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
10. Memory problems
11. Paralysis
12. Speech difficulty
13. Abnormal balance or coordination
14. Coma
15. Risks of general anesthesia
    

How long does it take to complete a Craniotomy?

A Craniotomy may take around 3-5 hours depending on the patient's medical condition.

What is the recovery time?

The recovery time of Craniotomy is 1 to 4 weeks depending on the underlying medical conditions. Complete recovery may take up to 8 weeks.

What is the success rate of Craniotomy?

The success rate of Craniotomy depends on the following factors:

1. Age of the patient
2. The medical condition of the patient
3. Type of surgery performed
4. Experience of the surgeon

Is Craniotomy painful?

Every surgery comes with a certain level of pain and discomfort. The patient may experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery for which the doctor prescribes medicines to reduce the pain.

Is Craniotomy permanent?

A Craniotomy is the surgical removal of a part of the skull which will be replaced after the surgery. Since the part of the skull is replaced by the doctor it is not considered permanent.

Can Craniotomy be detected in the future?

A Craniotomy may be detected in the future because of the presence of the scars and the bone flap is attached with the titanium plates and screws.

What are the options if Craniotomy fails?

If the Craniotomy fails then the doctor may recommend revision of the surgery.