Learn about Craniotomy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Craniotomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Craniotomy

A craniotomy is a major neurosurgical procedure where a section of the skull, called a bone flap, is temporarily removed to access the brain. This allows neurosurgeons to diagnose and treat a wide range of serious neurological conditions, including brain tumors, blood clots (hematomas), aneurysms, traumatic injuries, infections, and severe epilepsy. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia using advanced techniques like image-guided navigation and intraoperative monitoring to maximize precision and safety. After addressing the underlying problem, the bone flap is typically replaced and secured with plates and screws. As a cornerstone of modern neurosurgery, craniotomy is a life-saving and function-preserving operation that requires a highly skilled surgical team.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 150 Thousand – 800 Thousand 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 525 Thousand – 2.8 Million 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Craniotomy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing craniotomy.

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Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
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3363+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, King Koti

  • IconHyderabad, India
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15+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
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43+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
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1681+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Dwarka

  • IconDelhi, India
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121+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
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150+ Rating

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
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10171+ Rating

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
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5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
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65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
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15+ Rating

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
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20+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors
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5740+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Paraneetharan M
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Harisha P N
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

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Dr. Anmol Nagaraj
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Lakshman I Kongwad
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harish
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vybhav Raghu
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Veeresha U Mathad
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Ajay Hegde
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Abhishek H R
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harsha Hegde
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Paritosh Pandey
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Bopanna KM
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Paritosh Pandey
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sathwik R Shetty
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Praveen Ganigi
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arun Bhandari
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

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Dr. Jaskaran Singh
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

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Dr. Maqsood Ahmed Abdul Rahman
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

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Dr. Sudheer Kumar Gundamaneni
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. Vuppu Ravi Kanth
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

OPD-desk synced • Updated