Expert Craniotomy at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican Hospitals
If you need brain surgery, your neurosurgeon will most likely perform a craniotomy to get direct access to your brain. During this procedure, he or she will create a flap of scalp to expose the bony skull and then temporarily remove a piece of bone to reach the brain. Craniotomy may or may not be necessary for minimally invasive neurosurgery.
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Why is Craniotomy Performed in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV?
Craniotomy is the first step in most brain surgeries. It involves removing a piece of the bones that form the skull. A craniotomy may be performed for many reasons, including:
- Repairing blood vessel abnormalities, including arteriovenous malformations or brain aneurysms
- Removing a blood clot, brain tumor, or cyst
- Treating hydrocephalus or epilepsy
- Implanting a medical device, such as a deep brain stimulator for Parkinson’s disease
- Fixing a fractured skull
What to Expect During Your Craniotomy Procedure
A craniotomy is considered a type of major surgery. It is performed under general anesthesia in a Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospital. After you are asleep, your doctor will make an incision in your scalp and fold it back to reveal the bones of your skull. Then, he or she will remove a portion of the bone to access your brain. When brain surgery is complete, your doctor will secure the bone back in place and suture (stitch) the scalp.
During an “awake” craniotomy, you may be asked to follow simple commands, such as raising your left or right hand. You will not experience any discomfort. This helps your doctor determine how stimulating certain regions of your brain affects your motor skills. The anesthesiologist will put you back to sleep after this test.
Craniotomy Post-Operative Care
Craniotomy is an inpatient procedure. After the surgery, you will be transported to a recovery area and then to an intensive care unit (ICU). You will usually remain in the hospital for several days. It is normal to experience facial swelling and some pain.
Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions after you go home. He or she will tell you about safe activity levels, medications, and follow-up appointments.
Craniotomy can be a life-saving procedure for someone with an aneurysm, brain tumor, or other condition that requires brain surgery. Often, a craniotomy can completely cure a brain disorder and allow you to return to living a normal life.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican doctors perform craniotomy in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.