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Craniotomy in Tijuana
Controlled opening of the skull to reach the brain and treat a tumour, a haemorrhage, an aneurysm or a traumatic lesion. It is the access route for almost all brain surgery.
What a craniotomy is, and what it is for
A craniotomy is not a treatment in itself: it is the door. A fragment of skull bone is temporarily removed to expose the part of the brain where the problem lies, the problem is dealt with, and that same bone is put back at the end, fixed with titanium plates and screws. So when someone is told they need a craniotomy, the question that matters is: to treat what.
It is indicated to remove a brain tumour, evacuate an intracerebral haemorrhage, clip an aneurysm, remove a traumatic haematoma, treat a vascular malformation or biopsy a lesion that cannot be reached any other way. The size and position of the bone window are planned in advance on the MRI or CT — never improvised in theatre.
How it is planned, and what is protected
The approach is chosen along the route that crosses the least healthy tissue. That means studying, slice by slice, where the language, motor and visual areas sit in relation to the lesion, and which draining veins cannot be sacrificed. For lesions near eloquent areas the operating microscope is used and, when the case warrants it, neurophysiological monitoring.
Closure is done in layers: watertight dural suture, bone repositioned and fixed, then muscle and skin. A watertight closure is what prevents a cerebrospinal fluid leak, one of the most troublesome and most preventable complications of this operation.
What the procedure involves
When it is indicated
- Primary or metastatic brain tumour with an indication for resection
- Acute epidural or subdural haematoma with mass effect
- Spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage compressing vital structures
- Intracranial aneurysm with an indication for surgical clipping
- Brain abscess or subdural empyema requiring drainage
- Biopsy of a lesion not reachable stereotactically
Techniques and resources
- Operating microscope
- Pneumatic craniotome
- Ultrasonic aspirator
- Titanium plates and screws
- Bipolar coagulation
- Neuronavigation where available
Frequently asked questions about craniotomy
No. In a craniotomy the bone fragment is kept sterile during the operation and fixed back in place at the end with titanium plates and screws that are not removed and do not set off metal detectors. A craniectomy is different: there the bone is deliberately left out because the brain is swollen, and it is replaced in a second operation months later.
Almost never. Only the strip along the incision is shaved, enough to work cleanly. In most approaches hair covers the scar within a few weeks.
It depends on what the operation was for. A planned craniotomy for a small tumour without complications may mean three to five days; one for severe trauma or haemorrhage with an intensive care stay, considerably longer. Your own estimate is given at the pre-operative visit.
Bring your imaging and settle the question
One consultation with your MRI or CT in hand is worth more than ten internet searches. Book by phone or through the form and you will be told what is there, what it means and what your options are.