A craniotomy, also called open brain surgery or microsurgery, is the surgical removal of a section of bone (bone flap) from the skull for the purpose of operating on the underlying tissues, usually the brain. The bone flap is replaced at the end of the procedure.
There are certain criteria for performing a craniotomy. The tumor must be at least 3.5cm and located on an outer surface of the brain. In addition, the patient must be able to withstand the trauma of open surgery.
What are the advantages of a craniotomy?
Open surgery can result in the complete and immediate removal of the tumor and can also provide access to the disease site for brachytherapy or seed implantation. Studies suggest that outcomes are further improved when combined with follow-up Gamma Knife surgery.
What are the disadvantages?
Open surgery has a higher incidence of mortality and morbidity than non-invasive treatment methods. You can expect a significantly longer hospital stay—as much as two weeks or more—and an extensive recovery time that may last six months.
Even more troublesome is the negative impact on your quality of life. There is a much greater incidence of complications and impaired brain functions with invasive surgery compared to noninvasive treatment.
