 | Craniectomy |
What is a craniectomy?
A craniectomy is a surgical procedure which involves the removal of a portion of the skull in order to relieve pressure in the brain which may be caused by an inflammation in the brain.
When is a craniectomy needed?
Craniectomy is normally done as a lifesaving procedure after a traumatic brain injury. It is also recommended to treat conditions that may cause your brain to swell up or bleed. Craniectomy helps decrease intracranial pressure (ICP), intracranial hypertension (ICHT), or heavy bleeding (also known as haemorrhaging) which may occur in your skull. Left untreated, the pressure or bleeding may compress your brain and push it down into the brain stem. This can lead to fatal or permanent brain damage.
Intracranial pressure, intracranial hypertension, and brain haemorrhage may result from:
- Traumatic brain injury, which ma caused by a powerful hit to the head
- Stroke
- Blood clots in the brain arteries
- Blockage of arteries in your brain, which may lead to dead tissue called a cerebral infraction
- The pooling of blood inside the skull called an intracranial hematoma
- The buildup of fluid in the brain called cerebral oedema
What does a craniectomy entail?
A craniectomy is normally performed as an emergency procedure to open the skull quickly in order to prevent further complications such as swelling, especially after a traumatic head injury or stroke.
During the procedure, Dr Sadiki makes a small cut on your scalp over the affected area. A medical-grade drill will be used to make small holes in your skull. The neurosurgeon will then use a saw to cut between the holes, and that portion of the skull will be removed. Small incisions will be made on the brain’s membrane to give the neurosurgeon access to the affected area and treat it. The incisions will then be stitched closed, and the piece of the skull will be put back into its place after you’ve recovered.
