A craniotomy is surgery to open your skull to fix a problem in your brain. It can be done for many reasons. For example, you may need a craniotomy if yourbrain or blood vessels are damaged. Or you may need one if you have a tumor or an infection in your brain.
The doctor uses special tools to make cuts (incisions) through your scalp and skull. The doctor then looks at the inside of your skull or fixes the problem. He or she uses small plates and clamps to put the piece of your skull back in place.
You may get medicine, so you will be asleep during the surgery. Or you may be awake, but you will not feel pain. Sometimes a person must be awake during surgery, so the doctor can test how well the brain is working.
The surgery can last from 30 minutes to 12 hours. Afterward, you may stay in the hospital for 3 to 10 days. Depending on why you had the surgery, you may need 4 to 8 weeks to fully recover. Your recovery may take longer if you have weak areas of your body or have problems talking or seeing. You may need up to 6 months to recover from some brain injuries or infections. You may not recover completely from some types of brain injuries.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
What happens before surgery?
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Preparing for surgery
- Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- Tell your doctors ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia.
- If you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin, be sure to talk to your doctor. He or she will tell you if you should stop taking these medicines before your surgery. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Your doctor will tell you which medicines to take or stop before your surgery. You may need to stop taking certain medicines a week or more before surgery. So talk to your doctor as soon as you can.
- If you have an advance directive, let your doctor know. It may include a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care. Bring a copy to the hospital. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets your doctor and loved ones know your health care wishes. Doctors advise that everyone prepare these papers before any type of surgery or procedure.
When should you call your doctor?
- You have questions or concerns.
- You don't understand how to prepare for your surgery.
- You become ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
- You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the surgery.
Published April 2018
Stanford Health Care © 2018