Craniotomy

CRANIOTOMY PROCEDURE IN NEW JERSEY & NEW YORK

Patients who suffer from aneurysms or brain tumors can potentially benefit from a craniotomy procedure. Serving the Tri-State area of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, the award-winning surgeons at IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics help patients who qualify for craniotomy surgery. Learn more about the procedure, and schedule a consultation today.


WHAT IS A CRANIOTOMY?


A craniotomy is a brain procedure typically performed under general anesthesia that involves temporarily removing a portion of the skull bone called the bone flap. This method of opening the skull gives the neurosurgeon access to the brain to either remove a tumor or treat the affected area. Neurosurgeons perform craniotomies to allow them to treat a variety of brain conditions and injuries, such as:


WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE PROCEDURE


To prepare for the procedure, patients will most likely have one or more preoperative appointments with the neurosurgeon. During these appointments, our team will discuss the procedure and go over potential risks, as well as perform various tests to confirm a patient can safely undergo this procedure. These tests may include:


  • Physical exam
  • Blood tests
  • Imaging of the brain via computed tomography (CT) scan


During the procedure, general anesthesia will be given to patients. After patients have fallen asleep, the surgical site is then shaved and cleaned to reduce the risk of infection. The neurosurgeon will make an incision to the scalp and use a medical drill or saw to remove the flap. Next, the brain’s outermost membrane called the dura mater is cut. This allows the surgeon access to perform the procedure on the area of concern. Once the procedure is complete, the tissue is carefully stitched back together and the bone flap is replaced. Finally, the skin incision is stitched or stapled together and a sterile bandage is applied to cover it.

The entire procedure can take up to three hours to complete. The recovery time for this procedure generally is dependent on the underlying health issue being treated. Typically, recovery time varies from one to four weeks but may take up to eight full weeks of recovery.


Like any other surgery, the craniotomy procedure poses potential health risks for patients. Oftentimes, these risks depend on the specific medical condition being treated and may include:


  • Severe head scarring
  • Facial nerve damage
  • Infection
  • Brain swelling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Stroke
  • Blood clots


TREAT YOUR MEDICAL CONDITION WITH IGEA BRAIN, SPINE & ORTHOPEDICS


At IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our award-winning team of neurosurgeons has helped countless patients throughout NJ, NY, and CT overcome numerous medical conditions by performing the craniotomy procedure. To learn more about this brain treatment and how it can help you or a loved one, please contact us today at one of our locations in New Jersey or New York.


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