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Craniotomy
A guide for patients and carers
What happens during the operation?
The operation is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic. You will be asleep and will not feel anything. In some cases, the surgeon will suggest that the operation is carried out under local anaesthetic. Sometimes it will be necessary to shave a small section of the head.
The place, size and shape of the skin incision vary according to the type of operation. The incision is usually placed behind the hairline to hide the scar although this is not always possible. The scar will fade to a pale thin line within three to six months and the hair will usually grow back normally where it has been shaved.
To gain access to the brain a small section of the skull is temporarily removed. The precise location of the opening is decided after careful consideration of brain scans and other investigations that have been carried out before the operation. Once the opening has been made, the lesion (abnormal tissue or growth) is then removed or treated. After the surgery has been completed, the bone is then replaced to cover the hole that has been made. The bone is usually fixed with strong stitches or small mini-plates to prevent movement and encourage safe and strong healing.
To gain access to the brain a small section of the skull is temporarily removed. The precise location of the opening is decided after careful consideration of brain scans and other investigations that have been carried out before the operation. Once the opening has been made, the lesion (abnormal tissue or growth) is then removed or treated. After the surgery has been completed, the bone is then replaced to cover the hole that has been made. The bone is usually fixed with strong stitches or small mini-plates to prevent movement and encourage safe and strong healing.
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