Difference Between Craniotomy and Craniectomy

 

Craniotomy

A Craniotomy is a surgery that is performed to remove a brain tumor. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a small piece of the skull to access the brain, and Once the doctor removes the tumor, the bone fragment is put back in place.

It can also be done to remove a blood clot, control hemorrhage from a weak, leaking blood vessel, repair arteriovenous malformations, drain a brain abscess, relieve pressure inside the skull, or inspect the brain.

Types of craniotomy:

• Frontal craniotomy
• Temporal craniotomy
• Parietal craniotomy 
• Occipital craniotomy 
• Awake craniotomy 
• Keyhole craniotomy

Craniectomy

A craniotomy is a surgical procedure to treat brain cancer. The craniectomy procedure is similar to a craniotomy as both these involve removing a portion of the skull. The main difference between these two is that the bone is replaced after craniotomy, and after a craniectomy, the bone is not immediately replaced.

In this procedure, if there is significant swelling in the brain and to relieve pressure within the skull, the bone fragment is kept to put it back into place during a future surgery. However, it may also be discarded in favor of a future reconstruction with the help of artificial bone.

Let’s see some differences between craniectomy and craniotomy; some are discussed below.

Reasons for a Craniectomy vs. Craniotomy

A craniectomy surgery can be required to remove a skull tumor. The cranioplasty would be done during this procedure. Once the swelling reduces, the patient comes back for cranioplasty.

However, A craniotomy aims to reach an area that needs further treatment. For example, to remove a brain tumor, repair a defect or operate on one of the brain’s blood vessels. 

Craniectomy Risks & Benefits

The advantage of a craniectomy is the immediate relief of pressure where a section of bone is removed. This is especially required in an emergency, where quick action can control further damage and even save lives. 

There are risks associated with any surgical procedure, such as reactions to the anesthesia, infection, and blood clots. Other issues specific to craniectomy include:

• Brain inflammation called meningitis
• Brain or spinal cord infection
• Abscess of the brain
• Brain or nerve damage

Craniotomy Risks & Benefits

The main benefit of a craniotomy is that it provides access to neurosurgeons to reach the area that needs to be treated, whether it be a tumor, blood vessel, or other structure within the skull.

In craniectomy, some surgical risks are involved, including bleeding, infection, and reactions to general anesthesia.

However, some of the issues that are linked to this procedure such as :

• Cerebrospinal fluid leakage, requiring medication or repair
•  swelling of brain
• Stroke
• Seizures
• Brain or nerve damage, which results in difficulty with your speech, movement, and other functions

Recovery

The recovery from craniotomy and craniectomy varies from person to person. You might need to stay in hospital for approximately one week in both cases. After this, you need four to 12 weeks of restrictions for any activity.

Dr. Batish is the best neurosurgeon in Chandigarh. Make an immediate appointment with him; if you have any brain-related problems