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A craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which a part of the skull is temporarily removed to access the brain to treat various conditions such as brain tumors, blood clots, traumatic brain injuries, or aneurysms. The removed bone is replaced during the same surgery after the required procedures are completed.

It is to be noted that craniotomy is a major surgery that is only considered for life-threatening conditions. Hence, it demands precise planning, skilled execution, and careful recovery. At Felix Hospital, Noida, we have a team of experienced and skilled neurosurgeons who excel at performing craniotomy for severe life threatening conditions.

While it may sound intimidating, advances in technology and surgical techniques have made the procedure safer and more effective. It is a life-saving surgery that offers hope in many complex brain conditions. With the right care before and after the procedure, most patients recover well and resume normal life over time.

Diagnosis

The doctors need to conduct several diagnostic tests to find the cause, exact location, and severity of the problem. These may include:

  • X-ray to check for alignment issues, fractures, or narrowing of the disc space.
  • MRI to get a clear view of soft tissues, including discs and nerves. 
  • CT scans are done especially in cases of trauma to get a detailed image of bone structures.
  • Myelogram is done using a contrast dye that is injected into the spinal canal before a CT scan to highlight the spinal cord and nerve roots.
  • EMG (Electromyography) helps to measure electrical activity in muscles to determine if there is nerve damage or compression.
  • Discography is done to check disc integrity and pinpoint the pain-generating areas.

    • Treatment

    Cervical Spine procedures include different types of surgeries that are done based on the problem, location, and the patient’s overall health. At Felix Hospital, the best spine surgery hospital in Noida, the commonly performed procedures include:

    • Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion: Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is an operation that involves relieving the pressure placed on nerve roots, the spinal cord or both by a herniated disc or bone spurs.
    • Arthroplasty (Artificial Disc): Arthroplasty, or cervical artificial disc surgery, is a type of joint replacement procedure that involves inserting a cervical artificial disc into the intervertebral space after a cervical disc has been removed.
    • Cervical Laminectomy: A cervical laminectomy is a spine surgery that involves removing some posterior bone to relieve excess pressure on the nerves in the cervical spine, or neck. A cervical laminectomy can be performed to relieve the symptoms of spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal.
    • Posterior Foraminotomy: This minimally invasive surgery is used to relieve pressure on or pinching of a nerve root as it exits the spinal canal through the space between two vertebrae. The operation enlarges this space, called the foramen.
    • Posterior Fusion: While fusing two vertebrae together may limit bending and twisting of the trunk, many patients feel an improvement in range of motion because their pain has been reduced.
    • Tumor Resection: Surgery may be the only treatment for a primary spinal tumor that is non-cancerous. As much of the tumor is removed as possible without causing neurological problems.

    Pre-Surgery Care

    Pre-surgery care is important for minimizing risks and improving recovery outcomes. Your doctor will suggest a pre-surgery care plan, which may include the following steps:

    • The doctor will conduct a complete health checkup, including blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray, to ensure you are fit to operate.
    • You may be asked to stop or adjust certain types of medications, such as Blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medicines.
    • Stop smoking as it may affect bone healing.
    • You will be advised not to eat or drink 8 hours before surgery.
    • You may be suggested preoperative physical therapy to build strength and improve mobility.

    Post-Surgery Care

    The recovery time for each individual depends on the type of procedure done and the overall health of the patient. Proper post-operative care is essential to avoid complications and support healing. The post-surgery care plan may include the following steps:

    • You will be asked to stay in the hospital for 1–2 days for observation, especially if fusion or corpectomy is done.
    • Pain, soreness, and stiffness are common after the surgery and are managed through medicines.
    • Keep the incision site clean and dry to prevent infection.
    • You may be asked to wear a cervical collar to limit movement and support healing.
    • The doctor will advise you to start physical therapy to improve neck strength, flexibility, and posture.
    • Do not lift heavy objects, twist your neck, or do strenuous activities for several weeks.

    Diet Modification

    Nutrition plays a crucial role in healing and overall spine health, especially post-surgery. Including the following food items can be beneficial during your recovery period and in the long-term run:

    • Include Protein-rich foods such as lean meats, eggs, beans, and dairy to support tissue repair.
    • Calcium and vitamin D are important for bone healing. These include leafy greens, milk, almonds, and sunlight exposure.
    • Drinking plenty of water helps to maintain overall health and support metabolism.
    • Anti-inflammatory foods such as berries, turmeric, ginger, and fatty fish help to reduce post-op inflammation.
    • Reduce the intake of processed foods, including excessive sugary, salty, or oily items, to avoid weight gain and slow healing.

    FAQs

    The recovery period can range from 4 weeks to 3 months, depending on the procedure. Fusion surgeries take longer than minimally invasive ones.
    Cervical spine surgery aims to relieve pressure and stabilize the spine, but it cannot cure all neck problems; some stiffness or mild discomfort may still persist.
    It depends on the procedure performed and the patient's general health. That said, mostly one can resume desk jobs in 2–4 weeks, but physically demanding jobs may require 6–12 weeks or more.
    While it is uncommon for the problem to recur at the same level, it can happen in adjacent segments over time.
    The MRI cervical spine cost in Noida ranges between Rs 5,000-12,000, depending on the type of scan performed. For more details, speak to our representative.