Craniotomy Procedure: Chapman Neurosurgical Spine Institute
Craniotomy for Brain Tumors
When a patient is discovered to have a brain tumor, operating procedures have become advanced to a degree where a craniotomy can be performed to remove the brain tumor. A craniotomy is performed on a small area of the skull which is strategically picked prior to surgery by means of an MRI, a CT scan or through arteriogram imaging studies in order to pinpoint the exact location of the brain tumor. Once located, the craniotomy is a procedure involving opening up the skull through burr holes drilled into the skull, creating a window into the area where the tumor lies. Once opened, neurosurgeons from Southern California Center for Neuroscience and Spine at the Chapman Medical Center can access the tumor directly in order to begin the process of removing it. This type of surgical procedure is generally used for larger tumors that cause neurological dysfunction, while smaller tumors can be dealt with using radio surgery or a gamma knife technique without the use of a craniotomy.
This medical procedure can now be done quickly and a hospital stay can be from as little as two to three days or up to two weeks, depending on the individual and any complications that may occur. Stitches are removed 7-10 following surgery via a return to the doctor's office. As with most surgeries, the patient will likely experience fatigue, so normal activities should be taken on slowly.
Serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego
Although a craniotomy is considered a common method for treating brain tumors, it still requires a level of expertise only available to neurosurgeons that are highly skilled and adept in their field. At the Chapman Medical Center we have some of the most highly trained and knowledgeable surgeons on the West coast. We encourage you to contact our office or visit our facility for more information.
Contact Chapman Neurosurgical Spine Institute
when you are in need of experienced surgeons for any brain tumor.