Craniotomy, but in another way - craniotomy - a complex surgical intervention, in which the cranial incision is performed. In the future, the actions of the surgeon depend on what caused the need for trepanation - the presence of a tumor, epidural hematoma, etc. Similar operations are very ancient. It is known that they were carried out in the eighth millennium.
An operation is absolutely necessary, salvage if a person has malignant and benign brain tumors, extensive hematomas, aneurysms, infectious foci (for example, abscesses formed), brain injuries due to accidents (traffic accident, domestic injury, etc.). d.). Such an intervention is also successfully used to eliminate epilepsy attacks.
The question of craniotomy can be both planned and urgent. If the patient is observed in the neurological department with a diagnosis that has worsened and currently requires surgical intervention, then such operations are considered predicted. The patient is prepared in advance for the procedure, the necessary tests are done, and special preparations are given to ease the consequences. In this case, the operations are more favorable and their outcome is largely safe.
If we are talking about emergency trepanation, then the prognosis is very complicated. As a rule, if this is an accident, then fragments of the skull enter the brain tissue and damage them. Removing them is quite difficult, and the consequences for the patient's life are deplorable. Similar adverse situations occur when the aneurysm ruptures or the presence of tumors. Due to the negative effect on the cerebral substance itself, the patient may subsequently experience severe disorders.
Today, high-quality diagnostic equipment allows as little as possible to touch live, intact tissues, therefore, penetration into the skull is minimal. Before the operation starts, the field that will be involved in the procedure is shaved. Then there is a treatment with a special antiseptic solution.
Craniotomy in practice is done under general anesthesia, most often under general anesthesia, although there is the possibility of using local anesthesia. The head is fixed on the operating table using a special holder. After the onset of anesthesia, the skin is cut, the bone of the skull is exposed . With the help of a special drill, the surgeon cuts out the area under which the problem lies. After bone removal, the dura mater becomes visible , which is dissected, and the direct correction of the defect begins. Surgery on the brain occurs under the control of magnifying equipment (special microscopes). Removal of tumors, drainage of purulent cavities, suturing of aneurysms occurs using special tools. After the operation is completed, all blood is removed with a swab and the presence of bleeding is checked. After all the seams have been applied, a section of the cut bone is fixed, the skin is sutured and a bandage is applied. Usually, craniotomy lasts quite a long time - at least three hours, or even more.
After surgery, the patient is transferred to intensive care, where he is monitored by medical personnel. If after two days there are no life-threatening symptoms, the patient is transferred to an ordinary ward. After that, he can sit down a little, eat, chat with loved ones. Extract occurs no less than ten days, provided that the patient's condition does not worsen.
After the operation, dizziness, weakness, fatigue and irritability are possible. Over time, these symptoms disappear. Craniotomy is a complex operation that also brings temporary cosmetic defects. Relatives need to support the patient as much as possible, monitor his state of health and not focus on the appearance. The recovery period after such an operation is about two months.