AWAKE CRANIOTOMY
AWAKE CRANIOTOMY
A craniotomy is an operation performed in order to treat various conditions affecting the brain.
It involves making an incision in the scalp and removing a window of bone from the skull (this bone is secured back in position at the end of the operation with titanium plates and screws).
This allows access to the inside of the skull and brain.
An awake craniotomy is an operation performed in the same manner as a conventional craniotomy but with the patient awake during the procedure.
This is a preferred technique for operations to remove tumours close to or involving functionally important (eloquent) regions of the brain. Performing the operation in this way allows us to test regions of the brain before they are incised or removed and also to test the patient’s function continuously throughout the operation. The overall aim is to minimise the risks of the operation.
Advantages of Awake Craniotomy
Post-operative recovery is generally much quicker than with a conventional craniotomy, as you will not have had a general anaesthetic. You will be able to eat, drink and move around (mobilise) as soon as you feel able to.
PROCEDURE
- In the anaesthetic room you will have a drip inserted through which the an aesthetist will give you some drugs to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. In the operating theatre, your head will be stabilised using a brace.
- This brace has three pins that are applied to the skull.
- Prior to applying the pins local anaesthetic will be injected into the sites where the pins will be applied.
- The neuronavigation system will then be registered and used to mark out where the incision (cut) will be.
- Hair will be shaved along the line of the incision before it is cleaned with antiseptic solutions.
- Local anaesthetic will then be given around the incision. This will sting a little for a few seconds and then go numb.
- We’ll then place some drapes around the area but you will be able to see the anaesthetic team and talk to them, and to move your arms and legs freely during the operation.
- As the operation continues you will hear some noises and, briefly, a drilling sound.
- When the brain is exposed we will perform a procedure called cortical mapping. This involves stimulating the brain surface with a tiny electrical probe. If we stimulate a motor region of the brain it may cause twitching of a limb or your face a sensory area will cause a tingling feeling; the speech areas will prevent you from speaking very briefly.
- By mapping out the important regions of the brain first we can aim to avoid and protect them during the operation. Whilst we remove the tumour we will continuously test your function, and if anything changes we will be able to stop.
- After the tumour has been removed, all bleeding is stopped and the dura (thick membrane surrounding the brain) is closed with sutures. The bone flap is replaced with mini-plates and the scalp is closed. The skin is then closed with staples and the wound is dressed and often a head bandage is applied.
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FAQ’s
Dr. Yasaswi consults at Dr Yasaswi’s Brain Spine and Neuro Centre in HSR Layout
Sector 2. He chooses hospitals in Bengaluru with advanced & innovative technologies for surgeries.
Dr. Vamsi treats conditions involving the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves. dr. vamsi has extensive experience in brain tumor surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, complex spine surgery, pituitary surgery, skull base surgery, scoliotic correction, spinal deformity surgery, and endoscopic spine surgery.
At Dr. Yasaswi’s Brain, Spine & Neuro Centre, you can consult with a range of super specialist doctors including:
Neurosurgeon & Minimally Invasive Spine surgeon
ENT surgeon
Plastic & Cosmetic surgeon
Gastrointestinal surgeon
Orthopaedic surgeon
Obstetric and gynecologic surgeon
Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon
Endocrinologist
Pediatrician
Dentist
General physician
Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and specialized care across these medical disciplines.
Dr Yasaswi offers:
- Experienced surgeons from top hospitals.
- Quick consultations, no long waits.
- Help in choosing affordable quality hospitals for surgery.
- Easy surgery in top private hospitals with travel support.
- Quality online consultations for spine and neurosurgery.
- Budget-friendly options for economical patient choices.
Yes, Dr. Yasaswi’s Superspeciality Centre collaborates with several hospitals, ensuring comprehensive medical care and top-notch facilities for our patients’ well-being.
The doctors, during their hospital interactions, will choose the hospitals that are cost-effective or budget-friendly for the patients.
Yes, we are partnered with a few specific labs whose results are accurate. We also have Home collection services.
We always encourage scheduling appointments for consultations with our doctors, However in case of an emergency, walk-in patients will be accommodated at the end of the day following the completion of scheduled appointments.
Please bring either the printed films or a disc as supplied by your medical imaging provider, if an electronic copy is not available. Please confirm the location of where your scans were done prior to your appointment to determine if we can access images.
Minimally invasive surgery means surgery through a very small incision. There is less trauma and pain due to the minimal disruption of the musculature. patients will experience a faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and can return to pre-surgery activity much more quickly.
Recovery varies based on the particular surgery. generally, it is recommended that patients take two weeks off work to recover from any surgery.
Dr. Yasaswi’s Brain, Spine & Neuro Center earns its recognition as a super-speciality OPD clinic through a powerhouse of specialized medical expertise. Our doctors are a league of highly educated professionals. We take pride in having an elite team of extensively qualified doctors, each a specialist in their respective fields. Our team, encompassing Neurosurgeons, ENT Surgeons, Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeons, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, Gastrointestinal Surgeons, Endocrinologists, Pediatricians, and Dentists, each champions their field.This ensures that every patient receives care from medical experts, setting our clinic apart as a hub of excellence in specialized healthcare.