Cranial Neurosurgery

Brain tumors, aneurysms, and other serious conditions in the brain often require immediate and acute attention, including brain surgery. When you need such a complicated procedure, you want to be in expert hands. WMCHealth’s cranial neurosurgeons have the experience and technology to tackle the most challenging circumstances. Our surgical teams perform brain surgery using minimally invasive techniques and are pioneers of advanced technologies in New York. Our goal is for patients to experience the most optimal outcomes possible and have easier and shorter recovery times, close to home.

Types of Cranial Neurosurgery

Cranial neurosurgery refers to a broad group of surgical procedures that are done on the brain and/or the nerves within the skull. This is sometimes used to remove brain tumors, or they may be emergency procedures to address a blood clot in the brain.

There are many different types of cranial neurosurgeries. The procedure performed will depend on the specific condition and include:

Minimally Invasive Procedures

WMCHealth’s surgical teams perform a range of minimally invasive procedures that are designed to be faster, safer, and more effective. These procedures include:

• Laser ablation (LITT)
• Endoscopic surgery 
• Minimally invasive craniotomy
• Tubular retractor system

Traditional Craniotomies

In some cases, minimally invasive procedures are not possible due to the tumor’s location, so more traditional and complicated operations may be required. However, even traditional craniotomies have been advanced to reduce incision size and use absorbable sutures. This leads to better cosmetic results and no painful staple removals post-surgery.

WMCHealth is also equipped to perform awake craniotomies if the tumor involves language areas of the brain to maximize safe tumor removal. In these procedures, patients are awake, aware, and comfortable during surgery and can interact with the surgical team.

Radiation 

For some patients, brain tumor surgery may not be enough or may not be an option due to overall health or the tumor’s location. WMCHealth provides a few radiation options, such as:

• GammaTile brachytherapy
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery with the use of Truebeam 

When Is Cranial Neurosurgery Needed?

You may need to have brain surgery for a variety of conditions, including:

• Epilepsy
• Acute stroke
• Brain Aneurysm
• Hydrocephalus
• Parkinson’s disease
• Intracranial stenosis
• Cavernous Angioma
• Arteriovenous Fistula
• Cerebrospinal fluid leak
• Traumatic head injuries
• Arteriovenous Malformation
• Brain tumors – cancerous or noncancerous 

What to Expect with Cranial Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery has made huge strides over the past few decades with advancements in procedures and techniques. But brain surgery is still a major surgery and has risks. Your doctor will discuss these with you and help you weigh them against the benefits. Some common complications include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Headaches
• Memory loss
• Brain damage
• Speech issues
• Brain swelling
• Behavior changes
• Balance problems

Your recovery process will depend on the type of cranial procedure. With a minimally invasive procedure, it may only take a few weeks to recover. A more traditional open surgery recovery could last several months. Your doctor will give you an estimated recovery timeline given your circumstances. They will also give you guidelines on what side effects are part of the normal healing process and those that need medical attention. 

You will have follow-up appointments and tests in the weeks following your procedure. If you experience alarming symptoms or problems, contact your doctor immediately, don’t wait until your next appointment. You may also have other follow-up treatments such as radiation therapy.