1. What is brain surgery?
Surgery performed on the brain involves surgical removal of brain tissue. Brain tumor surgery in Delhi is usually the first step in treating both malignant and benign brain tumors.
2. When is brain surgery recommended?
The goal of brain tumor surgery in Delhi is to resect as much of the tumor as possible. Even when the tumor cannot be completely removed, surgery may be indicated for:
- Removing as much of the tumor as possible and lowering the intracranial pressure
- Extract a sample of the tumor for diagnosis
- Reduce the tumor volume that will be treated with radiotherapy and / or chemotherapy
- Treatment of seizures related to brain tumor
3. What exams are necessary before surgery?
As in all surgeries, you will need to have laboratory tests before surgery. Your neurosurgeon in Delhi will probably perform imaging studies to determine the exact location of the tumor and to plan for brain tumor surgery in Delhi. The most used imaging studies are:
- Computed tomography (CT) – Radiographic images reconstructed with the help of a computer.
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Images generated through magnetic waves that provide detailed images of the tumor. Also useful for evaluating the approach to nearby tissues.
- Spectroscopy – Images generated by magnetic waves with an emphasis on detecting abnormalities in the brain’s chemical composition.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) – images generated from metabolic evaluation of the brain and tumor tissues that allows functional evaluation of normal and tumor tissues.
4. What happens during brain surgery?
Different procedures can be classified as brain surgery. Among the most used we can mention:
- Biopsy – extraction of tumor material for diagnosis
- Needle biopsy – removal of material through a biopsy needle
- Stereotaxic biopsy – needle biopsy associated with tumor localization by computer
- Open biopsy– removal of tumor material during another surgical procedure
The tumor can be approached through different means for this purpose:
- Craniotomy – opening of the skull with the removal of a fragment that is repositioned at the end of surgery.
- Cranioctomy – opening of the skull with the removal of a bone fragment that is not replaced at the end of surgery.
- Partial tumor removal – removal of part of the tumor tissue is performed, usually at the risk of neurological damage.
- Complete removal – Removal of all tumor tissue.
5. What are the risks and side effects of brain tumor surgery in Delhi?
As with all surgical procedures, brain surgery also has its risks. Generally speaking, surgeries are at risk of infection, bleeding, and blood clotting complications. Specifically, brain surgery is highly dependent on the location of the tumor. Vision, hearing, smell, speech, balance, motor strength, thought, motor coordination and memory can be affected. Side effects can appear late and can also be mistaken for tumor symptoms. Tumors located deeper in the brain are at increased risk for complications, given the difficulties of the surgical approach. Other possible complications include seizures, cerebral edema, cerebrospinal fluid fistulas, meningitis, cerebrovascular accidents, hydrocephalus, coma and even death.
6. What is a pathological anatomy result?
After brain tumor surgery in Delhi, the neurosurgeon in Delhi sends tumor fragments for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist examines the tissue in order to arrive at a diagnosis of your tumor. The result is then sent to your surgeon. This process may take a few days.
7. How long does it take to recover from brain surgery? What comes next?
Surgery affects your entire body. Normally, recovery takes 4-8 weeks, but it may take longer. The type of tumor and the surgery performed directly interfere with recovery, in addition to the recovery capacity of each person. Age and associated diseases also directly affect post-operative recovery. When the result of the analysis is available, your surgeon will discuss with you the sequence of your treatment. The use of radiotherapy or chemotherapy or both may be necessary.