What is Craniotomy for Tumour Resection?

Craniotomy for tumour resection is a surgical operation where a small section of the skull, called a bone flap, is temporarily removed to expose the brain and allow the surgeon to remove all or part of a brain tumour. Advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and neuronavigation help the surgeon precisely locate and differentiate tumour tissue from healthy brain tissue. Microsurgical tools, lasers, and intraoperative fluorescent dyes may be used to maximise tumour removal while minimising harm.

A simple explanation for patients

In simple words, a craniotomy for tumour resection means the surgeon will open a small part of your skull so they can get to the brain tumour and remove it safely, helping reduce symptoms and improve brain health.

Why is Craniotomy for Tumour Resection Needed?

Craniotomy tumor removal is needed when a brain tumour causes symptoms such as headaches, seizures, weakness, or neurological deficits, or when imaging shows a tumour that requires removal due to growth or risk of complications. Timely tumour resection reduces pressure on the brain, improves function, enables other treatments such as chemotherapy, and can increase survival.

Common Reasons and Key Conditions Treated

• Primary or metastatic brain tumours.

• Symptomatic tumours causing neurological impairment.

• Tumours causing increased intracranial pressure.

• Lesions requiring biopsy or diagnosis.

• Preparation for adjunctive therapies.

Why Choose Manipal Hospitals for Craniotomy for Tumour Resection?

Our centre offers a patient-focused approach combining surgical expertise, advanced imaging, and supportive care to ensure the best outcomes.

• Highly trained neurosurgeons specialising in brain tumour surgery.

• Use of neuronavigation and intraoperative imaging technologies.

• Microsurgical and laser-assisted tumour removal capabilities.

• Multidisciplinary postoperative care, including rehabilitation and neuro-oncology.

• Comprehensive support for international patients and families.

Indications for Craniotomy Tumour Resection

Candidates typically present with brain tumours requiring removal to relieve symptoms, prevent progression, or confirm diagnosis.

• Presence of a brain tumour confirmed by imaging.

• Neurological symptoms attributable to the tumour.

• Good overall health status, allowing surgery.

• Need for tissue diagnosis or biopsy.

• Adjunct to radiotherapy or chemotherapy planning.

Who Should Avoid or Delay Craniotomy for Tumour Resection?

In certain cases, surgery may be delayed or avoided based on medical stability, comorbidities, or tumour characteristics.

• Severe systemic infection or unstable health conditions.

• Coagulopathy or bleeding disorders.

• Uncontrolled medical illnesses like heart or lung disease.

• When the tumour is inoperable or deeply inaccessible.

Preparing for Craniotomy for Tumour Resection

• Extensive imaging studies to map tumour location.

• Medical evaluation and optimisation of overall health.

• Discussion of anaesthesia and surgical plan.

• Preoperative blood tests and medication review.

• Planning for hospital stay and post-op rehabilitation.

• Arrangements for international patient support and accommodation.

What Will Happen During Craniotomy for Tumour Resection?

You will be placed under general anaesthesia and positioned carefully. An incision will be made over the scalp near the tumour location, and muscles will be gently folded back. Burr holes will be drilled in the skull, connecting them with a saw to lift a bone flap. The dura mater will be opened to expose the brain. Using microsurgical instruments and neuronavigation, your surgeon will carefully remove the tumour or as much of it as safely possible. Techniques like fluorescence-guided surgery may help differentiate tumour from normal tissue. The dura will be closed, the bone flap replaced and secured with titanium plates, and the scalp sutured.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

• General anaesthesia is administered, and the patient is positioned.

• Scalp incision made and muscles folded.

• Burr holes are drilled and connected with a craniotomy saw.

• The bone flap is temporarily removed to access the brain.

• Dura mater opened to reveal a tumour.

• Tumour removed with microsurgical tools or lasers.

• Dura is then closed, and the bone flap is replaced and fixed with plates.

• Scalp sutured and sterile dressing applied.

• Transfer to intensive care for monitoring.

Recovery After Craniotomy for Tumour Resection

Recovery starts in the intensive care unit with close monitoring. You will be supported with pain management, infection prevention, and neurological assessments. Length of hospital stay depends on surgery complexity and individual recovery. Rehabilitation therapies support regaining strength, function, and coping strategies. International patients will receive coordinated outpatient and telemedicine follow-up.

Risks & Complications

Risks include infection, bleeding, neurological deficits, seizures, and swelling. However, with meticulous surgical technique and advanced monitoring, these risks are minimised. Honest, clear communication supports informed decisions.

Benefits of Craniotomy Tumour Resection

This surgery offers a potential cure or significant tumour reduction, symptom relief, improved neurological function, and the possibility for further therapies such as chemotherapy or radiosurgery.

Cost of Craniotomy for Tumour Resection at Manipal Hospitals Global

Cost-effective compared to many developed countries, pricing includes surgery, hospitalisation, medications, imaging, and rehabilitation. Personalised cost planning is available post-assessment.

International Patient Support at Manipal Hospitals

Visa assistance, airport transfers, comfortable accommodation, interpreters, diet preferences, and insurance coordination are part of our comprehensive international patient programme. Dedicated coordinators guide you through each stage for a smooth experience.