Surgeries:

Craniotomy for Meningioma

Craniotomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a flap of the skull, allowing a neurosurgeon to access the inside of the skull and brain. It is the most common surgical method for treating meningiomas and is associated with high success rates.

Whilst not always curative, craniotomy aims to improve symptoms by removing as much of the tumour as possible without harming the surrounding brain structures. Following surgery  radiotherapy may be required in some cases particularly if it is malignant or in a dangerous location. Most meningiomas are curable with one or both of these methods.

Preparation for effective surgery involves careful assessment of the patients’ neurological status, assessment of the risks of surgery and an understanding of the patients’ and families’ expectations and wishes in the treatment of this condition. Surgery may not always be the best treatment or may have a high risk of neurological complications. Additionally, not all meningiomas require surgical treatment; clinical monitoring may be sufficient if the growth is benign and does not obstruct regular function.

As with any brain surgery, craniotomy for meningioma includes risks of bleeding, brain swelling, and post-operative infection, as well as standard anaesthesia risks. Risks specific to craniotomy for meningioma include bleeding, infection,  neurological deficit resulting in weakness and numbness of the limbs and seizures which may require management via medication. There is a remote risk of significant neurological injury which may result in coma, paralysis, or death.

Additionally, there is a small risk that the meningioma may return after surgery and require further treatment.

An MRI brain scan is performed to assess vital brain structures before the craniotomy begins. Under general anaesthetic, a portion of the scalp is shaved and an incision is made in the skin before several holes are made into the skull. These holes are connected using a bone saw, producing a skull flap which the surgeon excises to access the brain. The tumour is removed using specialised equipment before the excised section is replaced and secured using small titanium plates and screws.

The wound is then closed and the patient is awakened. Discharge from the hospital is generally expected after several days and clinical visits to discuss recovery progress will be scheduled.

Craniotomy for Meningioma

Craniotomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a flap of the skull, allowing a neurosurgeon to access the inside of the skull and brain. It is the most common surgical method for treating meningiomas and is associated with high success rates.

Whilst not always curative, craniotomy aims to improve symptoms by removing as much of the tumour as possible without harming the surrounding brain structures. Following surgery  radiotherapy may be required in some cases particularly if it is malignant or in a dangerous location. Most meningiomas are curable with one or both of these methods.

Preparation for effective surgery involves careful assessment of the patients’ neurological status, assessment of the risks of surgery and an understanding of the patients’ and families’ expectations and wishes in the treatment of this condition. Surgery may not always be the best treatment or may have a high risk of neurological complications. Additionally, not all meningiomas require surgical treatment; clinical monitoring may be sufficient if the growth is benign and does not obstruct regular function.

As with any brain surgery, craniotomy for meningioma includes risks of bleeding, brain swelling, and post-operative infection, as well as standard anaesthesia risks. Risks specific to craniotomy for meningioma include bleeding, infection,  neurological deficit resulting in weakness and numbness of the limbs and seizures which may require management via medication. There is a remote risk of significant neurological injury which may result in coma, paralysis, or death.

Additionally, there is a small risk that the meningioma may return after surgery and require further treatment.

An MRI brain scan is performed to assess vital brain structures before the craniotomy begins. Under general anaesthetic, a portion of the scalp is shaved and an incision is made in the skin before several holes are made into the skull. These holes are connected using a bone saw, producing a skull flap which the surgeon excises to access the brain. The tumour is removed using specialised equipment before the excised section is replaced and secured using small titanium plates and screws.

The wound is then closed and the patient is awakened. Discharge from the hospital is generally expected after several days and clinical visits to discuss recovery progress will be scheduled.