Brain Surgery | Pantai Hospitals

Brain surgery is a life-saving procedure performed by neurosurgeons and physician anaesthesiologist. For certain complex brain surgeries, a neuro-anaesthesiologist who has advanced expertise in administering anaesthesia for brain and spinal cord injuries will be involved as well.

What is brain surgery, and why is it needed?

Brain surgery refers to various medical procedures performed to repair structural defects in the brain.

The type of brain surgery a patient needs will depend on two factors:

Area of the brain
Condition being treated

Over the years, numerous advancements in surgical procedures have enabled neurosurgeons to operate on regions of the brain that were previously thought impossible.

What are the types of brain surgery?

The following are some of the most common types of brain surgeries:

1. Craniotomy

During a craniotomy, a hole is made by removing a piece of skull to give the surgeon access to the brain in order to:

Remove tumour
Relieve pressure after an injury
Treat skull fracture
Drain fluid or blood from an infection
Remove abnormal brain tissue

When this procedure is completed, the removed portion of the skull is placed back and secured with plates or wires.

2. Biopsy

Biopsy is performed to check for any tumorous growth in the brain. An incision is made in the brain, and a small portion of the suspected tumour tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.

3. Deep brain stimulation

Deep brain stimulation is commonly used for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

The neurosurgeon will make a small hole in the brain and place an electrode within the deep portion. The electrode will be connected to the chest region. The device is known as an implantable pulse generator and will deliver electrical stimulation to specific brain regions.

4. Minimally invasive neuroendoscopy

This is a minimally invasive technique in which a thin tube known as the endoscope is inserted through the nose, mouth, or a small incision in the skull to remove brain tissue or tumours.

The endoscope has a camera and light attached at the end, and the surgical procedure is done with tools placed through the endoscope.

5. Thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair

This procedure is commonly performed in patients with a clot in the brain artery, ruptured aneurysm, or cerebral aneurysm, which causes bleeding in the brain.

The surgeon uses catheters or metal wires through blood vessels in the patient's groin to reach the brain's blood vessels. Then a contrast dye is injected, which will highlight the affected areas.

6. Minimally invasive endonasal endoscopic surgery

In this procedure, the surgeon will access the affected region of the brain through an endoscope inserted through the nose.

This technique is used to remove tumours found at the base of the skull or on the pituitary gland.

7. Posterior fossa decompression

This procedure mainly involves areas such as the brainstem and cerebellum. The surgeon makes an incision at the back of the patient's head to remove bone from the bottom of the skull, thus giving space for the cerebellum to relieve pressure.

What are the risks of brain surgery?

Some of the risks of brain surgery include:

Dizziness
Headache
Problem with balance
Coma
Difficulty speaking
Swelling in the brain
Seizure
Stroke
Allergy to anaesthesia
Memory problem
Infection at the surgical site
Confusion or delirium
Clot wound

Some of the long-term side effects may include:

Brain damage
Changes in behaviour
Memory loss
Difficulty in walking
Weakness in legs and arms

However, it is important to note that if your brain specialist or neurologist has recommended a brain surgery for a specific condition, he understands that the benefits of surgery far outweigh the potential risk elements.

How to prepare for brain surgery?

Brian surgeries require meticulous planning. Patients will undergo a series of tests to ensure that their physical health is good before undergoing the surgery. These tests include:

Physical examination
Blood test
MRI Scan
CT Scan
PET Scan

This will help the surgeon determine the current health condition and also accurately locate the region that requires treatment.

In addition, your doctor will give you information about:

What to expect after the surgery: It includes the details of your recovery time, an extension of the recovery period.
Lifestyle changes before the surgery: The doctor will advise regarding lifestyle improvements that you have to make before the surgery, such as being on a specific diet, quitting alcohol and smoking, etc.
Starting and stopping medications before the surgery: Sometimes, you might have to start or stop certain medications to avoid complications in the surgery. For example, people who take blood-thinning medications need to stop them before the surgery to avoid the risk of excess bleeding and other complications. You might also have to take steroids before the surgery, reducing the risk of swelling. Anti-epileptic medicines might be recommended to avoid the risk of seizures.

What to expect after a brain surgery?

Brain surgery is a complex procedure. Hence, adequate recovery time is essential after the surgery.

After the brain surgery, the stitches or staples will be removed. In some instances, it may stay for two weeks. Once the stitches are removed, be careful while washing your hair. Make sure not to rub the surgical area vigorously. Healthcare professionals will closely monitor the patient during the post-op period.

For less invasive procedures such as endovascular surgery, the patient may only have to stay in the hospital for one or two days. For more complex procedures such as craniotomy, a post operative stay period of ten or more days may be required.

Some of the general symptoms that you will experience after the surgery include:

Severe pain for a few days after surgery
Moderate pain and swelling lasting a few weeks
Nausea and vomiting
Tiredness

The doctor will continue to prescribe medications to prevent post-surgery swelling and seizures. In addition, neurorehabilitation may be required to restore certain functions. This includes specialised care from occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech pathologists, etc.

How long is the recovery after the brain surgery?

Generally, it takes about 4-8 weeks to fully recover after a brain surgery. The area of incision on your head may be sore for a week.

The patient may experience slight headaches and nausea for the first 4 to 8 weeks which will fade naturally. The doctor will prescribe painkillers and other medications to ease the pain.

Book an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

A dedicated and expert team of neurologists and neurosurgeons at Pantai Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance to patients through neurological screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have any concerns or questions about treatments for neurological conditions.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.

Brain Surgery: Types, Purpose, Risks