Procedure guide · Neurosurgery and neuro-oncology
Brain tumour surgery removes all or part of a tumour from the brain. Often the surgeon opens a small piece of the skull, a procedure called a craniotomy. The NHS says surgery is the main treatment when treatment is needed. The neurosurgeon decides whether surgery is suitable after reviewing your scans and tissue results.
What is brain tumour surgery?
MedlinePlus explains that the surgeon cuts a bone flap to reach the brain. The flap is usually fixed back with small titanium plates. Sometimes it is not put back straight away, for example if the brain is swollen. Surgeons may remove a tumour or take a piece for biopsy. An awake craniotomy is used when the surgeon works near critical areas such as the language area. Some operations use an endoscope through a smaller opening. Computer navigation built from MRI or CT scans can guide the surgeon.
The NHS notes that most people have a biopsy before treatment. It shows the type of tumour and its grade. Other treatments may follow surgery. These include radiotherapy and chemotherapy. For slow-growing tumours, regular scans may be advised instead of immediate treatment.
Who may be suitable?
This depends on the tumour type, its position and your general health. Only a neurosurgeon, usually with a wider team, can decide. MedlinePlus lists risks of brain surgery. They include problems with speech, memory, strength, balance or vision, which may be temporary or permanent. Bleeding, seizures, stroke, infection and brain swelling are also possible.
Which reports does a neurosurgeon usually ask for?
Send your MRI and CT scans as original image files, not only the written reports. Send any biopsy or histopathology report. Include a summary of your symptoms and a list of your medicines. Note any seizure medicines and blood thinners. MedlinePlus notes that blood thinners may need to be stopped before surgery. If you have had radiotherapy or chemotherapy, include those records.
After surgery
The NHS says recovery can take time. Some people need physiotherapy, speech and language therapy or occupational therapy. Regular check-ups and scans continue for at least a few years. Plan who will arrange these at home.
How do you plan the trip?
The stages are a records review, a consultation in India and any further scans. Then come surgery, monitoring and early rehabilitation. Pathology results may take time to come back and can change the next step. An attendant is essential. They help with daily needs and with talking to the team. Before discharge, ask for a full summary for your neurologist or oncologist at home. Ask also about seizure medicines. The NHS notes that a brain tumour can affect whether you may drive. Your surgeon decides when it is safe to fly.
What should you ask the hospital?
- Will my case be discussed by a neuro-oncology team?
- Do you need my scans in original format, and are any new scans needed?
- Will the surgery be awake or under general anaesthetic, and why?
- What further treatment may follow once pathology is known?
- Which rehabilitation will I need before and after going home?
- How will you share scan and pathology results with my doctors at home?
Questions people ask
What is an awake craniotomy?
MedlinePlus explains that an awake craniotomy is done when the surgeon works near critical areas of the brain, such as the language area. Being awake allows the team to check function during the operation. Your surgeon will explain whether it is relevant for you.
Will I need treatment after the operation?
Sometimes. The NHS lists radiotherapy and chemotherapy as other treatments. It also says scans continue for at least a few years. The plan depends on the pathology result, which your team will explain once it is available.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.