Human brain is more or less like a remote control. It controls, co-ordinates both conscious as well as sub-conscious functions of the human body which include memory, learning ability, thinking power etc. Human brain like any other part of the human body is prone to any sort of infection, bleeding, trauma or any kind of damage. If any of these happens inside the human brain, then a brain surgery is required to cure the same.
Brain surgery also known as craniotomy is being performed by making a hole in the human skull. It is advisable to go through the risks and benefits of brain surgery before undergoing this surgery.
Reasons for brain surgery
Brain surgery is being performed because of the following reasons:
- Emergency following an accidental head injury or brain haemorrhage. The injury may result in blood clots pressing on the brain for which surgery is the only solution to cure.
- An abscess in the brain due to a former accidental injury
- A tumour detected in the brain for which surgical procedure is required
- Any damage detected in the brain
Risks involved in brain surgery
Some general risks involved in brain surgery include the following:
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Problems of breathing associated with allergy to anesthesia
- Haemorrhage
- Infection in the surgical area
- Damage to brain tissues
- Injured blood vessels
- Paralysis of nerves or brain muscles
- Failure of mental function (speech, understanding, memory etc)
Pre-surgery requirements of brain surgery
The pre-surgery requirements for brain surgery include the following:
- Get proper counselling from your surgeon before you finally decide your mind to undergo this surgery
- Undergo medical clearance test prior to the surgery
- Avoid smoking at least 10 days prior to surgery
- Avoid alcoholic drinks 5 days prior to surgery
- For patients who are 40 years and older Electrocardiogram (ECG) is required prior to surgery
- You will also require to undergo a chest X ray
- Consult your doctor for medical instructions prior to surgery
- If you need to take any medicine on your surgery day then take that with a small sip of water
- Some additional tests along with clearances may be needed for patients with pituitary tumours or related.
Post-surgery requirements of brain surgery
The post-surgery requirements of brain surgery include the following:
- You will be shifted to an intensive care unit. A two night’s stay is recommended on a regular or non –regular ICU ward. Necessary medications are continued meanwhile
- You will be given pain medication to ease away the post-surgical pain in the incision area
- You will undergo a CT scan or MRI before you are discharged for home
- For follow ups you need to consult your surgeon
Average hospital stay for brain surgery
The average hospital stay for brain surgery is one week. However, the number of days for hospital stay may extend considering the condition of the patient.
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