Craniotomy

What it is

A craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which a section of the skull is temporarily removed to provide access to the brain, allowing the surgeon to operate on a glioma. The bone is replaced at the end of the operation. Craniotomy is the standard approach for removing many gliomas.

Understanding Craniotomy

To remove a glioma (or obtain a large tissue sample), the surgeon must access the brain, which requires opening the skull. In a craniotomy, a piece of skull bone (a bone flap) is carefully removed over the relevant area, the protective covering of the brain is opened, and the surgeon removes as much tumor as safely possible; the bone flap is then replaced and secured. Modern craniotomies are precise, guided by detailed imaging and navigation, and tailored to the tumor's location. Depending on the situation, a craniotomy may be done under general anesthesia or, for tumors near critical areas, as an awake procedure with brain mapping. Craniotomy is a well-established operation, and advances in technique, imaging, and monitoring have made it as safe and effective as possible. Recovery varies by the individual and the surgery. Understanding craniotomy in gliomas clarifies the standard surgical approach for accessing and removing these tumors.

Why it matters

Understanding craniotomy helps patients and families know what the standard glioma operation involves — temporarily opening the skull to remove tumor — and that modern techniques make it precise and as safe as possible.