What is the most serious complication that can occur after a craniotomy?
Some of the specific complications that can arise post-craniotomy are: cerebral bleeding or hematoma at the surgical site. seizures due to disruption of normal brain tissue. stroke due to damage to a blood vessel.
Is craniotomy is a serious surgery?
A craniotomy is a brain surgery that involves the temporary removal of bone from the skull to make repairs in the brain. It is highly intensive and comes with certain risks, which make it a serious surgery.
What are the complications of craniotomy?
Risks of the procedure
- Infection.
- Bleeding.
- Blood clots.
- Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
- Unstable blood pressure.
- Seizures.
- Muscle weakness.
- Brain swelling.
What happens after craniotomy surgery?
After a craniotomy, the bone flap will mend itself over time and partially heal back into the rest of the skull bone within 2 to 3 months. Full recovery can take a few months and depends on the underlying condition that was treated.
Can you live a normal life after a craniotomy?
Some people recover well after brain surgery, but this can take some time. Other people have some problems, or long term difficulties. The problems you may have depends on the area of the brain where the tumour was (or still is if you only had part of the tumour removed).
How long does it take to fully recover from a craniotomy?
It can take 4 to 8 weeks to recover from surgery. Your cuts (incisions) may be sore for about 5 days after surgery. Your scalp may swell with fluid.
Is a craniotomy a high risk surgery?
Like any other type of brain cancer surgery, a craniotomy has several risks. These include: Bleeding. Infection.
How long is recovery after a craniotomy?
It can take 4 to 8 weeks to recover from surgery. Your cuts (incisions) may be sore for about 5 days after surgery. Your scalp may swell with fluid. You may also have numbness and shooting pains near your wound.
How many hours does a craniotomy take?
After the operation is finished, the piece of excised bone is replaced, the muscle and skin are stitched up and a drain is placed inside the brain to remove any excess blood left from the surgery. A craniotomy can take about two and a half hours.