Craniotomy in Northern New Jersey

Individuals with brain tumors, vascular abnormalities, or cerebral bleeds can return to a normal life.  Often these conditions require surgery by a neurosurgeon who may need to perform a craniotomy. The term craniotomy is used when the surgeon must make an opening in the skull. A craniotomy may be necessary in order to remove a tumor or stop excessive bleeding within the skull that is affecting the health of the brain. Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics has top  neurosurgeons specialized in each type of brain surgery.  CNSO surgeons operate at the best hospitals in Northern New Jersey. Learn more about CNSO care, when a craniotomy procedure is or is not necessary, and the expected recovery times by calling CNSO today.

Methods and Conditions Treated by a Craniotomy

A craniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a part of the skull called the bone flap. This allows surgeons to directly visualize the affected area inside of the brain. Craniotomies can be necessary for the following reasons:

• Tumors
• Aneurysms
• Infections
• Arteriovenous Malformation
• Excessive bleeding within the Brain
• Blood clots
• Epilepsy

There are many different methods used when performing a craniotomy based on the clinical condition being treated.  Some examples include:

• Stereotactic craniotomy: Surgeons will use an MRI or CT scan as a guide throughout the surgery. This provides more exact identification of location and helps distinguish healthy tissues from unhealthy tissues.
• Endoscopic craniotomy: A fiberoptic scope with a camera is used to see deep withing the brain with minimal disturbance of the surrounding tissue. This is done through a small incision in the skull. Endoscopic surgery results in a far less invasive procedure along with a quicker recovery time.
• Aneurysm clipping: A cerebral aneurysm usually causes an affected blood vessel in the brain to weaken. This weakening predisposes the blood vessel to rupture. An open craniotomy would be required to cure a large cerebral aneurysm or to cure one that has already ruptured. In this case, once the craniotomy is completed, the neurosurgeon locates the problematic blood vessel then places a small clip across the weakened aneurysm wall to prevent it from rupturing. This clipping also strengthens the remaining functioning vascular wall.
• Keyhole craniotomy: Keyhole craniotomies are a minimally invasive procedure used to remove brain tumors. This method of craniotomy is done through a small incision behind the ear for less scarring and a shorter recovery time.

The Necessity of a Craniotomy

When a brain tumor or a vascular abnormality is diagnosed, it can be very concerning. The earlier any abnormality is discovered and treated, the smaller the craniotomy and the easier is the recovery. A craniotomy allows a neurosurgeon access to remove the problematic area and resolve the brain abnormalities. For example, craniotomies are necessary to:

• Remove diseased brain tissue
• Remove blood clots
• Stop brain bleed
• Diagnose and treat brain tumors
• Drain brain abscesses
• Treat epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease
• Relieve brain pressure
• Prevent brain herniation

Craniotomies can save a patient from dying, can increase the length of a patient’s life and can improve someone’s quality of life.

Patient-Centered Care at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics

Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics has specialized neurosurgeons experienced and highly skilled at diagnosing and treating patients with structural abnormalities of the brain. With the most advanced surgical treatment methods available, patients can feel reassured that they are receiving the best treatment for their brain condition with the goal always being a fast recovery. To learn more about CNSO and the patient-centered neurological focus including whether a craniotomy is necessary,  schedule a consultation in Northern NJ today.