Brain Tumor Surgery: Procedure, Risks, and Recovery

What is surgery for brain tumors?

In brain tumor surgery, a surgeon removes all or a portion of a tumor that is growing in the brain. It is frequently the initial course of treatment for brain tumors, whether they are benign or malignant.

The surgery's primary objectives are:

• To minimize harm to healthy brain tissue while removing as much of the tumor as possible
• To alleviate the tumor's pressure on the brain
• To assist physicians in using a sample to confirm the type of tumor
• To alleviate symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or vision issues
• To get ready for more therapies like chemotherapy or radiation

The Surgery Process for Brain Tumors

1. Before surgery or the pre-operative stage

To map the tumor and determine the safest method of removal, several tests will be performed before surgery. These consist of CT or MRI scans to identify the tumor.

• Neurological tests to evaluate how the brain works
• Blood testing and other medical examinations
• Getting together with the anesthesiologist and neurosurgeon

Your physician will respond to your inquiries and go over the procedure's advantages and disadvantages.

2. During Surgery, the most common surgery for brain tumors is craniotomy.

• delivering anesthesia to keep you sleeping throughout the procedure
• Creating a cut on the scalp
• To get to the brain, a portion of the skull must be removed.
• Removing the tumor with care
• Closing the scalp and replacing the fragment of skull

Occasionally, awake brain surgery is performed. To help the surgeon prevent harming the sections of the brain that govern speech and movement, the patient remains conscious for portions of the procedure.

3. After Surgery (Post-operative Phase)

The first several hours following surgery (the post-operative phase) will be spent under strict observation in the recovery room. In order to track healing and avoid complications, the majority of patients remain in the hospital for a few days.

Recovery After Brain Tumor Surgery

Everyone's recovery from brain tumor surgery is different. The length of recovery and the experience depend on things like the size and location of the tumor, the type of surgery, and the patient's overall health. Some people get better quickly, while others may need more time and help.

Inside the Hospital

After the surgery, you'll be taken to a recovery area or an intensive care unit where doctors and nurses can keep a close eye on you. You might feel tired, confused, or dizzy for a few days. This is perfectly normal. Medications usually help with pain.

The doctors will check your vital signs, like your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, regularly. They will also keep an eye on your brain activity. If you have trouble moving or talking, you might start physical or speech therapy while you're still in the hospital.

You may have to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week, depending on how your body responds and if there are any problems.

Going Back Home

Resting is the most important thing to do when you get home. But it's also important to move around slowly, since light activity helps you get your strength back. Until your doctor says it's okay, don't lift heavy things or do any hard physical work.

It's important to go to follow-up appointments. Your doctor will go over your test results, check on how well you're healing, and decide if you need any more treatments during these visits. After surgery, you might need radiation therapy or chemotherapy, depending on the type of tumor.

It's also important to do what your doctor says about driving, going back to work, or doing other things you do every day. People heal in different ways, so what works for one person might not work for another.

Long-Term Recovery and Rehabilitation

Some patients may need more time to recover fully, especially if the tumor or surgery affected certain brain functions. Rehabilitation helps in such cases and can include:

• Physical Therapy: Helps improve strength, balance, and coordination.
• Speech Therapy: Useful if speech or swallowing has been affected.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps you re-learn daily tasks like dressing, cooking, or writing.
• Psychological Support: A counselor or psychologist can help you manage emotions like fear, anxiety, or memory issues after surgery.

Choose the Right Hospital for Best Outcomes

Surgery to remove a brain tumor can change and often save lives. Although brain surgery may seem frightening, it is now considerably safer and more successful thanks to developments in imaging, technology, and surgical methods.

Selecting a hospital with qualified neurosurgeons, state-of-the-art equipment, and comprehensive post-surgery care is the most crucial step.

The top-notch brain tumor surgery services provided by Oncare Hospital are supported by skilled neurosurgeons, sympathetic personnel, and a customized approach to treatment. Oncare Hospital provides you with the assurance, security, and treatment success you need from your initial scan to your last recovery session.