Brain Tumour Surgery

1. What is Brain Tumour Surgery?
Brain tumour surgery is a neurosurgical procedure performed to remove all or part of a tumour, obtain tissue for definitive diagnosis, relieve pressure on the brain, or improve symptoms.

2. When is Brain Tumour Surgery recommended?
Surgery may be recommended when a tumour is accessible and removal or biopsy is expected to provide meaningful benefit. The decision depends on tumour type, size, location, growth, symptoms, and the patient's overall condition.

3. How is Brain Tumour Surgery performed?
The procedure is commonly performed through a craniotomy, in which a section of the skull is temporarily removed to provide access to the tumour. Depending on the case, minimally invasive approaches or stereotactic techniques may also be used.

4. What tests are required before surgery?
MRI with appropriate contrast is commonly used to define the tumour and plan surgery. CT scans, functional imaging, neurological assessment, blood tests, and other specialized investigations may be required depending on the tumour and its location.

5. What surgical techniques may be used?
Modern brain tumour surgery may incorporate neuronavigation, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, functional mapping, intraoperative imaging, fluorescence-guided techniques, or awake craniotomy in selected cases to improve the balance between tumour removal and preservation of neurological function.

6. How long does Brain Tumour Surgery take?
The duration varies substantially according to tumour location, size, complexity, and surgical technique. Complex procedures can take several hours, followed by postoperative monitoring.

7. What is recovery like after surgery?
Recovery depends on the tumour and extent of surgery. Some patients require intensive monitoring initially, followed by several days of hospital care and rehabilitation if neurological deficits are present.

8. What are the possible risks?
Potential complications include bleeding, infection, seizures, brain swelling, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, blood clots, and temporary or permanent neurological deficits such as weakness, speech or vision problems. Risk varies considerably according to tumour location.

9. Why consider India for Brain Tumour Surgery?
India has experienced neurosurgical teams, advanced neuroimaging, neuronavigation, intraoperative monitoring, neuro-oncology services, and multidisciplinary facilities for managing complex brain tumours.

10. How can Medavelle help?
Medavelle can coordinate review by an experienced neurosurgical and neuro-oncology team, arrange assessment of MRI and other reports, obtain a personalized treatment estimate, and assist with hospital, travel, and treatment coordination in India.