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Tools for Brain Surgery

Brain surgery (or a craniotomy) is perhaps one of the most frightening operations to undergo. Recovery time will vary by individual and also will depend on the specific procedure. Some people can expect to make a full recovery in eight weeks, and partial recovery in one to four weeks. You may spend a year or more in recovery. Before your surgery, enlist the support of family or close friends to help you during your recovery. Today's surgeons use very sophisticated tools, with new advancements in the works all the time.

  1. Reasons for brain surgery

    • Doctors suggest brain surgery for a variety of problems, including brain tumor, blood clots in the brain, too much pressure in the brain, to implant electrodes, reconstruction of the skull, brain aneurysm, stroke, bleeding in the brain, pituitary tumors, infection or buildup of fluid. Some of these reasons require immediate treatment.

    Basic tools

    • A powerful microscope allows the surgeon a clear view of the surgery area. Most operating rooms will also have computers equipped with MRI or CT scan images. Many even allow for "real time" imaging, according to Neurosurgery Today. Lasers are used to destroy tumors, or may be used in place of a scalpel. As with many other surgeries, other tools that may be used include blades, forceps, hemostats (to clamp bleeding vessels), retractors, scissors and other instruments.

    Magnetic tools

    • The magnetic stereotaxis system is another option for brain surgery. It uses a magnetic force to guide a pellet through brain tissue. This procedure is aimed towards tumors which are otherwise inoperable or in a location difficult to reach. Is eliminates the need for a surgeon to cut open a large section of the skull.

    New tools

    • Some surgeons use gamma rays to remove tumors. This is much less invasive than a more traditional operation. According to the University of Michigan, the Wingspan intracranial stent is a new option which allows doctors to clear up clogged vessels in the brain. It's a wire mesh tube fed through the body from an incision in the leg. It is intended for patients who have had a "mini-stroke" or have not yet had a stroke. According to the UM website, a liquid material called Onyx helps reduce the risk of aneurysms rupturing. These procedures offer another option for patients who cannot withstand surgery or wish not to pursue surgery as a treatment.

    Warning

    • Call your doctor if you run a fever, experience sudden severe headaches, have drainage from your incision site, a seizure or a stiff neck.

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