Craniotomy for Brain Tumor
What is Craniotomy for Brain Tumor ?
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Why do you need Craniotomy for Brain Tumor ?
Craniotomy for brain tumor is indicated for:
- Primary brain tumors:
- Benign: Meningioma, pituitary adenoma, schwannoma.
- Malignant: Glioma (e.g., glioblastoma), astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma.
- Metastatic tumors: Cancer spread from another site (e.g., lung, breast).
- Symptomatic tumors: Causing seizures, headaches, motor deficits, vision/hearing loss, or cognitive changes.
- Tumor growth: Even if asymptomatic, to prevent future complications.
- Biopsy confirmation: When tumor type is unclear, excision provides tissue for diagnosis.
The procedure aims for maximal safe resection—removing as much tumor as possible while preserving neurological function. Complete removal may not be feasible for tumors in critical areas (e.g., brainstem) or those with infiltrative growth (e.g., glioblastoma).
Why Do Craniotomy for Brain Tumor Costs Vary in Philippines?
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Craniotomy for Brain Tumor Procedure
- Before Surgery Evaluation:
- Diagnosis:
- MRI (with contrast) or CT scan maps the tumor’s location, size, and relation to critical structures (e.g., motor cortex, optic nerve).
- Functional MRI or tractography identifies areas controlling speech, movement, or vision.
- Blood tests assess fitness for surgery (e.g., coagulation, hemoglobin).
- Neurological exam evaluates deficits (e.g., weakness, speech issues).
- Steroids (e.g., dexamethasone) reduce brain swelling; antiseizure medications (e.g., levetiracetam) may be started.
- Consent: Risks, including neurological deficits or incomplete resection, are explained.
- Diagnosis:
- Surgical Techniques:
- Standard Craniotomy:
- Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 3–6 hours.
- The scalp is shaved and incised (e.g., curvilinear incision, 5–10 cm).
- A bone flap (e.g., 5×5 cm) is removed using a craniotome.
- The dura is opened to expose the brain.
- The tumor is removed using microsurgical tools (e.g., ultrasonic aspirator, microscissors) to minimize damage to healthy tissue.
- Hemostasis is achieved with bipolar cautery.
- The dura is closed (sometimes with a patch); the bone flap is replaced with titanium plates/screws, and the scalp is sutured.
- Awake Craniotomy:
- Used for tumors near eloquent areas (e.g., speech/motor cortex).
- The patient is awake during tumor resection to monitor function (e.g., speaking, moving) while the surgeon maps the brain.
- Endoscopic-Assisted Craniotomy:
- For deep tumors or those in ventricles (e.g., colloid cysts), using smaller incisions and an endoscope.
- Intraoperative Tools:
- Neuronavigation: GPS-like system for precision.
- Intraoperative MRI or ultrasound: Ensures maximal resection.
- Cortical mapping: Identifies functional areas during awake surgery.
- Fluorescence-guided surgery: 5-ALA dye highlights malignant tumors (e.g., glioblastoma) for better resection.
- Standard Craniotomy:
- After Surgery:
- ICU monitoring for 1–3 days to watch for swelling, bleeding, or seizures.
- Hospital stay: 5–10 days; longer if complications or adjuvant therapy starts.
- Pain management: IV analgesics (e.g., morphine) for 1–2 days, then oral (e.g., ibuprofen).
- Steroids are tapered over 1–2 weeks; antiseizure medications continue for 3–6 months.
- Pathology report (within 5–7 days) determines tumor type and guides adjuvant therapy (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy for malignant tumors).
Recovery After Craniotomy for Brain Tumor
- Hospital Stay: 5–10 days; longer (2–4 weeks) if complications or adjuvant therapy (e.g., radiation) starts.
- Post-Surgery Care:
- Pain: Scalp discomfort for 1–2 weeks, managed with analgesics.
- Activity: Light walking on day 2–3; avoid heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks.
- Neurological monitoring: For deficits (e.g., weakness, speech issues), which may improve over weeks/months.
- Steroids and antiseizure medications are adjusted based on symptoms.
- Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, or speech therapy if deficits persist.
- Diet: Normal diet; high-protein foods (e.g., eggs, lentils) support healing; 2–3 liters water daily.
- Follow-Up:
- MRI at 6–12 weeks to assess residual tumor; then every 3–6 months for malignant tumors.
- Oncology consultation for radiation/chemotherapy (e.g., temozolomide for glioblastoma).
Recovery varies: 6–12 weeks for benign tumors with full resection; months to years for malignant tumors. Symptom relief occurs in 70–90% of cases; survival depends on tumor type (e.g., glioblastoma: 12–18 months median survival; meningioma: 90–95% 5-year survival).
Risks and Complications
- Surgical Risks: Bleeding (3–5%), infection (2–5%, e.g., meningitis), brain swelling (5–10%).
- Neurological Complications:
- Deficits (5–15%): Weakness, speech/vision loss, depending on tumor location.
- Seizures (5–10%), managed with medications.
- Hydrocephalus (5–10%): May require a shunt.
- General Risks: Anesthesia reactions, blood clots (DVT, 2–5%).
- Long-Term: Recurrence (e.g., glioblastoma: 90% within 2 years), cognitive decline, personality changes (esp. frontal lobe tumors).
Report fever, severe headache, or neurological changes promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes a brain tumor?
Often unknown; risk factors include genetics, radiation exposure, and family history (e.g., neurofibromatosis).
Can a brain tumor be fully removed?
Depends on the tumor: Benign tumors (e.g., meningioma) can often be fully removed; malignant ones (e.g., glioblastoma) often recur due to infiltration.
Will I lose brain function?
Risk exists (5–15%), but intraoperative tools (e.g., neuromonitoring, awake surgery) minimize damage; deficits may improve with rehabilitation.
How soon can I resume activities?
Light activities in 2–3 weeks, normal routines in 6–12 weeks.
Is craniotomy for brain tumor covered by insurance in India?
Yes, for symptomatic or growing tumors; confirm with your provider.
Signs of complications?
Fever, severe headache, seizures, or new neurological deficits.
Will the tumor come back?
Benign: 5–10% recurrence; malignant: 50–90%, depending on tumor type and resection extent.
Lifestyle changes post-surgery?
Avoid heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks, adhere to medications, attend rehabilitation, and follow up regularly.
Conclusion
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Looking for Best Hospitals for Craniotomy for Brain Tumor
Note: we are not promoting any hospitals
We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)
- click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
| City | Minimum Price (₱) | Maximum Price (₱) |
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Angeles City |
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Antipolo |
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Bacolod |
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Bacoor |
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Baguio |
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Butuan |
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Cagayan de Oro |
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Caloocan |
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Cebu City |
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Dasmariñas |
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Davao City |
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General Santos |
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General Trias |
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Iligan |
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Iloilo City |
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Las Piñas |
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Makati |
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Malolos |
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Manila |
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Muntinlupa |
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Parañaque |
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Pasay |
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Pasig |
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Puerto Princesa |
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Quezon City |
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San Fernando |
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San Jose del Monte |
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Taguig |
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Valenzuela |
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Zamboanga City |
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Disclaimer
This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.