A craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which a part of the skull is removed to access the brain. It is performed for a variety of reasons, including:
- Tumor removal: A craniotomy may be necessary to remove a brain tumor or abnormal growth.
- Brain hemorrhage: A craniotomy may be performed to relieve pressure caused by bleeding in the brain.
- Traumatic brain injury: A craniotomy may be needed to treat a severe head injury that has caused damage to the brain.
- Epilepsy: A craniotomy may be used as a treatment option for epilepsy that has not responded to medication.
- Hydrocephalus: A craniotomy may be necessary to place a shunt in the brain to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid and relieve pressure.
- Skull fracture: In some cases, a craniotomy may be performed to repair a skull fracture.
A craniotomy is a complex and serious surgical procedure that carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding brain tissue. It is typically performed by a specialized neurosurgeon.
