Brain tumors differ greatly in terms of size, location and extent, as do treatment options. When a brain tumor has been discovered and surgery is a an option for treatment, it’s only natural to be curious about the procedure will be used. The procedure a neurosurgeon will use will depend on several aspects, such as the types of brain tumor, the location it’s situated, and the way it’s impacting the brain.
The treatment of brain tumors isn’t an exact procedure that can be applied to all patients. There are a variety of surgical methods developed to safely access or remove tumors, while limiting risks for healthy tissue in the brain. Knowing the various types of brain tumor surgery can aid patients and families to feel more confident and well-prepared.
Craniotomy
A craniotomy is one of the most commonly used form of brain tumor surgery. It is a procedure where an area or the skull are removed temporarily in order to allow surgeons an access into the brain. Once the tumor is eliminated or resected in part the bone flap can be returned to its original position and fixed.
The procedure can be done when the patient is under general anesthesia or, depending on the location of the tumor, while patients are awake (known as an awake craniotomy). An awake surgery permits the surgeons to observe the brain’s function in real-time especially when tumors are close to regions that control movement, speech or vision.
Endoscopic Brain Surgery
This minimally-invasive procedure makes use of a small, flexible tube that has an endoscope camera. Surgery surgeons insert it through a tiny hole inside the skull, or by the nostril (endoscopic Transnasal Surgery) to gain access to the tumor. This method reduces damage to the brain and surrounding tissue, and can result in a shorter time to recover.
Endoscopic surgery is usually performed to treat smaller cysts, tumors or tumors that are located within the pituitary gland and ventricles. Although it’s not appropriate for every tumor, it’s an excellent option in certain situations where it’s possible to have less invasive access.
Stereotactic Biopsy
Sometimes, removal of the tumor in a timely manner isn’t essential. In such cases it is necessary to have a stereotactic biopsy used to take a small tissue sample. Utilizing advanced imaging technology along with 3D navigation technology, a tiny needle is placed through a small opening inside the skull to access the tumor and collect cells to determine the diagnosis.
This is especially beneficial in cases of deep-seated tumors, or when doctors have to determine the exact nature and severity of the tumor prior to making a decision on the next treatment option, such as treatment with chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
Transsphenoidal Surgery
This kind of procedure is used specifically to treat tumors that are located within the pituitary gland that is located in the middle of your nose. The skull is not opened, the surgeon can access the tumor via the nasal cavity with an endoscope, or microscope.
Transsphenoidal surgery does not leave the appearance of visible scars and has a quicker recovery time as compared to open surgery for the brain. It’s typically performed to treat pituitary adenomas as well as other growths on an area near the top of skull.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
LITT is a more recent alternative that utilizes laser energy to eliminate the tumor’s tissues. A tiny probe is introduced through the skull into the tumor and laser-controlled heat is used to reduce or eliminate cancerous cells. MRI guidance guarantees precision throughout the entire procedure.
The procedure is commonly utilized for small tumors or patients who aren’t a good candidate of open surgeries. LITT is also a possibility to treat recurrent brain tumors or tumors that are hard to treat by conventional surgery.
Awake Brain Surgery
If a tumor is found close to brain regions that regulate motor and speech or other essential capabilities, the procedure can be performed in a room that is awake. utilized. The patient is awake (but non-stressed) and the surgical team communicates with them during the surgery to observe their reactions. This method helps to avoid damaging critical brain regions, while getting rid of the tumor safely.
It may sound scary but it’s performed with care and provides a crucial layer of protection when dealing with tumors within areas of the brain that are sensitive to radiation.
Conclusion
The kind of brain tumor surgery the patient is subject to depends on the medical and personal circumstances of the patient. Each procedure has a objective and is selected for the greatest result while minimizing risk.
Modern brain surgery incorporates modern imaging technology instruments, navigational tools and advanced surgical techniques to ensure that treatment is more efficient and safer than ever. Knowing the various surgical options can help patients and their families feel more secure when they embark on treatment and recovery.
