Craniotomy - Neurology

Craniotomy is the surgical removal of part of the skull bone that exposes the brain called the bone flap. Bone flap is temporarily removed by using specialized tools and are replaced after the brain surgery has been done.

Some of the craniotomy procedures use computers and imaging [MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)] or [CT] (computerized tomography scans) to precisely locate the brain that is to be treated.

Endoscopic craniotomy is another type of craniotomy involving insertion of a lighted scope attached with a camera straight into the brain through a tiny incision in the skull.

During craniectomy, a portion of the skull is permanently removed or replaced. It might require a second surgery after the swelling has gone down.