Treatment, Surgery & Anesthesia
Excision
Excision is the surgical removal of tissue, such as non-functional tissue from an encephalocele sac.
In short: Excision
- It refers to removing tissue during repair.
- Functional brain is preserved; non-functional tissue may be excised.
- It is one step within the broader repair.
- It is guided by imaging and surgical judgment.
What it is
It is the surgical removal of tissue. In encephalocele repair, excision may refer to removing non-functional tissue or the sac wall as part of the operation.
Understanding Excision
Surgeons excise tissue that is non-functional or malformed to allow a secure, watertight closure, while preserving functional brain. The decision about what to excise is guided by imaging (which may show features like encephalomalacia) and assessment during surgery. Excision is one step within the broader repair, which also includes dural closure and bony reconstruction.
Why it matters
Understanding excision helps families see that removing tissue is a deliberate, judgment-based step focused on non-functional tissue, undertaken to achieve a safe repair while protecting functional brain.
Common questions
What does excision mean?
Surgical removal of tissue.
Is functional brain excised?
No — it is preserved; non-functional tissue may be removed.
How is the decision made?
Through imaging and surgical judgment.
Bottom line
Excision is the surgical removal of tissue, focused on non-functional tissue while preserving functional brain.
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