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Brain Tumor Surgery
Relevant information about Brain Tumor Surgery .
Brain Tumor Surgery is the main procedure in the treatment of most brain tumors. This surgery consists on a craniotomy, which allows the physician to access the brain by removing a bone flap from the skull. Its main goal may be to remove the tumor or to remove of as much tumor as possible, reducing the number of malignant cells available for proliferation. The partial removal of brain tumors during Brain Tumor Surgery is called cytoreduction.
This surgical procedure is generally used to eliminate the different types of tumors that can start in the brain. These are called primary brain tumors. Although the causes of primary brain tumors are unknown, it is know that they arise not only from the brain cells, but also from the membranes around it, which are called meninges, the nerves and the glands. There is a second type of brain tumors, which are the result of the spread of other types of cancer. These are called secondary tumors. Both destroy brain cells, or damage them by producing inflammation. Inflamed brain tissue places pressure on other parts of the brain and also increases the pressure within the skull. Brain tumor symptoms tend to vary from person to person. They depend on various factors like the size of the tumor, the location inside the brain, or how far has it spread. The most common ones are headaches, seizures, weakness in one part of the body, and changes in the person’s mental functions. Headaches are usually accompanied by vomits, confusion, double vision, weakness or numbness, and tend to get worse during exercise, coughing or changes in body position.
During the craniotomy the patient’s head is placed in a 3-pin skull fixation device, which attaches to the table and holds his head in position during the procedure. A lumbar drain in the lower back is inserted to help remove cerebrospinal fluid. A brain-relaxing drug called mannitol is given to the patient in order to help his brain relax. To ensure a good cosmetic result after surgery, when the skin incision is made, it is done behind the hairline. After the incision is done with the scalpel, the skin and muscles are lifted off the bone and folded back. Then, one or more small burr holes are made with a drill. A special saw is inserted through the holes and the outline of a bone flap is cut and lifted. Surgical scissors are then used to cut the dura, which is the protective covering of the brain. After folding it back, retractors are placed to open a corridor to the tumor area. Special glasses or operating microscopes are then used to identify the tumor. During the removal of the affected part of the brain, different precision surgical tools may be used according to the patient’s particular case. After the tumor has been total o partially extracted, the retractors holding the brain are removed and the dura is closed with sutures. The bone flap is returned to its original position and secured to the skull with titanium plates and screws which will remain permanently to support the area. The muscles and skin are sutured back together and a soft adhesive dressing is placed over the incision.
The patient’s post-treatment hospital stay varies from 3 days to 2 weeks. Adhesive dressing is usually removed from 7 to 10 days after surgery. Showers can be taken 3 to 4 days after surgery. Additional restrictions vary from case to case. To manage the pain, narcotic medication is prescribed during a limited period. This period may last from 2 to 4 weeks. Also and anticonvulsant can be prescribed to prevent seizures. Finally, general recovery is expected from 1 to 4 weeks
Brain tumor surgery specific complications can be divided in three groups: low, hard risk complications and irreparable damages. The first group includes seizures and strokes. These may be treated with medication. The second group includes swelling of the brain, which may require a second craniotomy and cerebrospinal fluid leak, which may require another type of surgical intervention. The third group includes nerve damages; loss of mental functions or permanent brain damage, but it tends to be uncommon.
The procedure may eliminate or reduce the brain tumor, thus ending with the disease symptoms.
Brain Tumor Surgery is not a guarantee for total cancer removal. It may eventually return.
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