About Craniotomy
Key Highlights
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Direct access to the brain for treatment of complex conditions.Can be life-saving in cases of hemorrhage, trauma, or severe swelling.Allows for precise removal of tumors, clots, or abnormal tissue.Enables procedures like aneurysm clipping or epilepsy focus resection.Utilizes advanced technology (neuronavigation, intraoperative MRI) for accuracy.The bone flap is usually replaced, preserving the skull's structure./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Brain tumors (benign or malignant).
- Intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding) from trauma or stroke.
- Brain aneurysms requiring surgical clipping.
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
- Severe traumatic brain injury to relieve pressure.
- Brain abscess or infection requiring drainage.
- Drug-resistant epilepsy (to remove the seizure focus).
- Skull base tumors or certain pituitary tumors.
- Placement of devices like deep brain stimulators.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging (MRI, CT, angiography).
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for anesthesia.
- Discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives with the neurosurgical team.
- Possible discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (as advised by doctor).
- Fasting (no food or drink) for 8-12 hours before surgery.
- Hair may be shaved at the surgical site.
- Informed consent process detailing the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding (hematoma) and infection at the surgical site or in the brain.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
- Seizures, stroke, or brain swelling.
- Damage to brain tissue leading to neurological deficits (e.g., weakness, speech problems, vision changes).
- Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Persistent headaches or memory problems.
- In rare cases, coma or death.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial monitoring in an ICU or high-dependency unit for 1-2 days.
- Management of pain, swelling, and prevention of seizures with medication.
- Gradual mobilization with assistance to prevent blood clots.
- Incision care instructions to prevent infection.
- Watch for warning signs like fever, severe headache, worsening neurological symptoms, or fluid leakage.
- Rehabilitation with physical, occupational, or speech therapy may be needed.
- Follow-up appointments for stitch removal and imaging to monitor healing.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and contact sports as advised.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering craniotomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for craniotomy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform craniotomy. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for craniotomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Craniotomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing craniotomy.
Pari Joshi, a 28-year-old graduate student,...
Pari Joshi, a 28-year-old graduate student, suffered a sudden, catastrophic brain hemorrhage from a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM) while in the library. Rushed to the emergency room, she was stabilized but at high risk for a re-bleed. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Rodriguez, recommended an urgent craniotomy to surgically remove the tangled blood vessels. The procedure was complex and lengthy, but the AVM was completely excised. Pari spent a week in the Neuro-ICU and faced a difficult recovery, dealing with temporary weakness on her right side and speech therapy. A year later, after intensive physical and cognitive therapy, she has made a remarkable recovery with only minor residual effects. Her emotional journey was a rollercoaster: from the shock and terror of the initial event, through the frustration of rehabilitation, to her current perspective of feeling like a survivor who was given a second chance at life.
Neurosurgeons for Craniotomy
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform craniotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada