Brain Surgery: Indications and Types

Brain surgery can be defined as a medical procedure which aims at correcting structural and functional problems of the brain. Such procedures are usually complex and can be of several different types. It is pertinent to note that the type of surgery that a patient needs depends on various factors such as the condition that is being treated, the medical history of the patient, the age of the patient and their personal preference. Advancements in medical technology have enabled surgeons to operate on certain portions of the brain without a single incision in or near the head.

Why is Brain Surgery needed?
The main objective of brain surgery is to address and treat physical abnormalities in the brain. These can be present since birth or acquired later in life, owing to a disease, injury, or any other problems. However, not all such conditions call for the need for brain surgery. Here is a list of 9 major problems that require a surgical approach. 

• Abnormalities in the blood vessels
• Damaged ‘dura’ (the protective tissue)
• An aneurysm
• Bleeding and sometimes blood clots
• Epilepsy
• Brain tumors
• Abscesses
• Damage to the nerve or sometime nerve irritation
• Parkinson’s disease

What are the most common types of Brain Surgery?

Types of brain surgery

• Biopsy

This procedure involves the removal of a small amount of brain tissue or a tumour in order to be examined under a microscope. This is done by making a small incision and hole in the skull. A craniotomy involves making an incision in the scalp and creating a hole called a bone flap in the skull. However, the incision is made near the area of the brain which needs to be treated.

• Craniotomy

The procedure is executed by making an incision in the scalp and creating a hole known as a bone flap in the skull. The hole and incision are made near the affected area of the brain which needs to be treated.

After the completion of the procedure, the bone flap is usually secured in place with plates, sutures, or wires. However, the hole is usually left open in the case of tumours, infection, or brain swelling, then the procedure is known as a craniectomy.

• Minimally Invasive Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery

This type of brain surgery involves the removal of tumours or lesions through your nose and sinuses. The procedure facilitates the access of your brain’s parts without making an incision. The procedure involves the use of an endoscope, which is a telescopic device equipped with lights and a camera which enables the surgeon to see where they’re working. Your doctor can use this for tumours on the pituitary gland, tumours on the base of the skull, and tumours growing at the bottom part of the brain.

• Deep Brain Stimulation

Like biopsy, this procedure too involves making a small hole in the skull, but instead of removing a piece of tissue, here it involves the insertion of a small electrode into a deep portion of the brain. The objective of inserting the electrode is to connect it to a battery in the chest, like a pacemaker, and electrical signals will be transmitted to help symptoms of different disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Thus, with this procedure one can go for Parkinson's disease treatment in Delhi, also the city offers some good hospital options.

• Minimally Invasive Neuro Endoscopy

Like minimally invasive endonasal endoscopic surgery, neuro endoscopy involves the use of endoscopes to remove brain tumours. The procedure involves making small, dime-sized holes in the skull to access parts of your brain during this surgery.

If your symptom matches with the above then you should go for brain surgery in Delhi as being the capital it has some good hospital options.

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | March 13, 2023 | 9 Min Read