Definitions, Procedures, Risks, Recovery Time

overview

There are many types of brain surgery. One of them is craniectomy. It is a life-saving surgery that relieves intracranial pressure caused by swelling and bleeding.patient traumatic brain injury A craniectomy is required. In this procedure, a neurologist removes part of the skull to relieve pressure and reduce the chance of brain damage.

To get all the information about craniectomy, its procedure, risks and recovery times, you need to read this blog.

What is a craniectomy?

As previously mentioned, this is a life-saving treatment given to patients suffering from: traumatic brain injury. In this surgery, the surgeon removes part of the skull to relieve intracranial pressure. high blood pressure, or massive bleeding in the skull. Craniectomy also treats other conditions that cause bleeding or swelling in the brain.

Why should a patient undergo a craniectomy?

The brain is one of the largest and most complex organs of the human body. It is also a delicate vital organ that requires multiple layers of protection. The skull normally protects the brain and prevents it from being damaged. However, when the skull is injured, tissue sacs within the brain called meninges and fluid within the meninges known as cerebrospinal fluid are affected.

The brain may swell and fluid may build up in the skull. If the pressure and bleeding are not relieved, it can damage brain tissue and cause permanent brain damage. Besides trauma, there are several reasons for increased pressure on the brain.

1. Increased cerebrospinal fluid levels – brain edema
2. Bleeding or pooling of blood in the brain. It is called an intracranial hematoma.
3. Head trauma that causes swelling
4. brain tumor
5. brain infections, etc. encephalitis or meningitis
6. elevated or uncontrolled blood pressure high blood pressure
7. stroke
8. brain aneurysm
9. blood clot in the arteries of the brain
10. Cerebral arteries become clogged and tissue dies.this is known as cerebral infarction.

How is a craniectomy performed?

before surgery

Because craniectomy is an emergency surgery, you may not need to prepare before surgery.

A doctor may do a physical examination and ask family members about their medical history. During this time, sedation will be given and a ventilator will be used if necessary. The team of doctors will also perform a series of tests, including computed tomography. (CT scan This includes a head exam, a series of x-rays, and a CT scan of the body. These tests help the surgeon provide complete and better information about your condition.

during surgery

A neurosurgeon performs a craniectomy. At the beginning of surgery, doctors give general treatment. anesthesia. A breathing tube is inserted down your throat to help you breathe easier. The team constantly monitors vital signs such as heart rate and heart rate. blood pressure.

The neurosurgeon first shaves the area of ​​the scalp that will be operated on. Fold the skin flap back and make an incision to observe the skull. As a next step, the neurosurgeon drills into the skull and removes a portion of the skull. This helps relieve pressure from the brain. Parts of the skull are kept in a freezer or attached to the abdomen and are rarely discarded. If necessary, the doctor may make an incision in the membranes surrounding the brain and make any necessary repairs. Once swelling is minimized, a mesh material is placed over the area and a team of surgeons surgically closes the scalp.

recovery time after surgery

Once the pressure in the brain is reduced, the surgeon may cover the hole with a preserved removed skull or use a synthetic skull implant. This operation is called cranioplasty.

However, the recovery time will depend on your overall health and the severity of your symptoms. Recovery may include wearing a helmet to protect the skull and brain from possible future head injuries.

You may need to stay in the hospital for several weeks or longer while your doctor monitors your health. In some cases, people may need rehabilitation with eating, speaking, and walking.

During the recovery phase, your doctor may advise you to avoid activities such as:

1. Shower for a few days after surgery
2. lift heavy objects
3. doing physical work or exercising
4. smoking and drinking
5. drive any vehicle

What are the possible complications of craniectomy?

Like any surgery, craniectomy has its own risks and complications. These complications are based on the severity of injury. Possible complications are:

1. long-term brain damage
2. Accumulation of infected fluid in the brain
3. Inflammation of the brain known as meningitis
4. Brain and spine infections
5. language loss
6. whole or part of the body paralysis
7. persistent vegetative state
8. coma
9. brain death

Occasionally, complications may occur years or months after surgery, including:

1. Accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain
2. hydrocephalus
3. Decreased motor skills, cognitive impairment, headacheand seizure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you know you have intracranial pressure?

Intracranial pressure is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. Some symptoms warn of it. However, we may tend to mistake it for other health problems. However, if you have any of the following signs, or if these symptoms get worse over time, you should see a doctor right away: