Craniotomy or craniotomy is one of the methods of surgical treatment. It is used in the following conditions:
- Treatment of brain tumors, both malignant and benign. As a result, a biopsy of brain areas is performed, as well as complete or partial removal of formations;
- Removal of pathological formations of blood vessels in the brain, for example, arteriovenous maltformation;
- Treatment of traumatic brain injuries and intracerebral infections;
- Treatment of a number of neurological diseases, for example, acute epilepsy.
This procedure can have a variety of consequences. Trepanation is not only a violation of the integrity of the skull, but also penetration into its cavity. The magnitude of this surgical intervention is determined by the severity of the disease, the amount of damage, or the location of the tumors. The consequences of craniotomy depend on the postoperative condition of the patient. To predetermine them is very difficult. All people tolerate such operations in different ways. Like any other invasive intervention, trepanation has some risks during its implementation. Intracranial bleeding may occur due to damage to the blood vessels of the brain. The surrounding brain tissue may be injured or edema may develop. Very rarely, the effects of craniotomy can result in death or the development of paralysis. Various violations of a person’s cognitive functions, such as memory, perception, and speech, may also be observed. Often patients complain of headaches, especially during the first few days after surgery, they are concerned about nausea and vomiting. But in any case, the trepanirovanny patient has a disability within the first three years after the operation. After disability can be canceled if there is a general satisfactory condition of the patient.
External effects of craniotomy are manifested in the development of a defect in the bones of the skull. Since a lifelong removal (resection) of some part of the bone tissue is carried out, after the operation, a depression remains in this part of the head. Therefore, plastic surgery is necessary not only for cosmetic reasons, but for the prevention of trepani syndrome - an extremely unpleasant consequence. In addition, those who have undergone surgery for a long time are prohibited from doing sports and yoga. Some people note that the consequences of craniotomy can be manifested in a sharp deterioration in memory and attention, weight loss, nervousness, short-term periodic clouding of consciousness, sleep disturbances, weakness of the muscles of the legs, and digestion. But it’s difficult to accurately relate these symptoms to the result of the operation, since these may be side effects of the taken steroid drugs after the operation. They are designed to reduce swelling in the operated area. Sometimes it is necessary to take anticonvulsants to block epileptic seizures.
Rehabilitation after trepanation of the skull is long. The patient stays in the hospital for about 10 days, and then he goes through a slow recovery course at home. The operated area must always be kept clean by washing it with running water and soap. It is necessary to avoid any physical exertion. With a sharp deterioration in well-being, which may occur a few weeks after trepanation, or an increase in body temperature of more than 38 degrees, it is urgent to consult an operated surgeon. It is also recommended to refrain from driving any vehicles and not to work with devices that require concentration and quick response.