AWAKE BRAIN SURGERY
Awake Craniotomy is a method used in brain surgeries that require high precision and require immediate results. It is performed to prevent the risk of damaging the basic functions of patients, such as speaking, moving, etc., during the removal of the tumor in the brain.
On average, 10 out of 100 brain surgeries are performed while awake. Although awake neurosurgery is vital in some cases, it is not recommended for patients whose psychology is not appropriate.
Before Surgery
Prior to surgery, the MRI is determined whether the tumor is in the functional area. For tumors that are not in the functional area, awake craniotomy is not required. If it is decided to perform the surgery with awake craniotomy, the patient is described in detail what will happen during surgery.
Operation
Then, the tumor is re-anesthetized during removal and closure. Local anesthesia is preferred if the tumor is located on the surface of the brain. However, if large craniotomy is to be performed, the patient will be sedated during craniotomy and awakened during mapping. Then, while the tumor is removed and the entrance site is closed, anesthesia is applied again.
In a surgery that takes about four hours, the patient is awake for about forty minutes. In the process of being awake, basic functions such as speech, movement are controlled.
Postoperative
An hour after the surgery, a CT scan will be performed to the patient for complications control. An MRI will be done within 24-72 hours. It is checked whether the tumor has been completely cleaned. The drug can be injected in case the patient has a seizure.
A full recovery may take about 8 weeks.
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