Brain Tumor Surgery: Types, Procedure, Risks and Recovery

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Your Health Magazine Contributor

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Brain Tumor Surgery: Types, Procedure, Risks and Recovery

A brain tumour can affect the way a person thinks, moves, speaks, or carries out everyday activities. Some tumours grow slowly, while others may develop more quickly. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and both types may need medical attention if they press on important areas of the brain.

Treatment depends on the tumour and the person’s health. For some patients, surgery is an important part of care. Symptoms depend on where the tumour develops and may include persistent headaches, seizures, changes in vision, nausea, or difficulty with balance. These signs can also have other causes, so timely medical assessment is important.

In this blog, we will explain when brain tumour surgery may be needed, how it is performed, and what recovery can involve.

Let’s begin!

What is Brain Tumor Surgery?

Brain tumour surgery is an operation to remove all or part of a tumour, or to collect a tissue sample so doctors can identify it. The aim is to treat the tumour while protecting healthy brain tissue and important functions.

The surgeon may be able to remove the entire tumour in some cases. In others, removing only a safe portion is the better option. Surgery may also reduce pressure inside the skull and help ease symptoms.

When is Brain Tumor Surgery Recommended?

Surgery is not necessary for every brain tumour. Doctors consider its type, size, location, growth, symptoms, and the patient’s general health before recommending an approach.

Surgery may be considered to:

• Remove a tumour that can be reached safely.
• Collect tissue to confirm the diagnosis.
• Reduce pressure on nearby brain tissue.
• Relieve symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or weakness.
• Reduce the amount of tumour before radiation or drug treatment.

Some slow-growing tumours may be monitored with regular scans. For tumours in areas that are difficult to reach, or when surgery carries significant risk, doctors may recommend another treatment.

What Are the Different Types of Brain Tumor Surgery?

The procedure depends on where the tumour is and what the team needs to achieve.

1. Craniotomy

A craniotomy is a common approach. The surgeon temporarily removes a small section of the skull to reach the tumour. They remove as much of it as can be done safely, then replace the bone section and close the incision.

2. Awake Craniotomy

For selected tumours near areas that control speech or movement, the patient may be awake for part of the operation. This helps the surgeon protect important areas.

3. Stereotactic Brain Biopsy

When a tumour is deep or difficult to remove, the surgeon may take a small tissue sample using image guidance. A specialist examines the sample to identify the tumour type and help plan treatment.

4. Minimally Invasive or Endoscopic Surgery

For certain tumours, especially those near the skull base or pituitary gland, surgeons may use an endoscope and small instruments through the nose or a small opening. This approach is suitable only for selected cases.

How is Brain Tumor Surgery Performed?

Before surgery, the patient usually undergoes an MRI or CT scan, blood tests, and a neurological examination.

The operation is performed under anaesthesia, although selected awake procedures use a different anaesthesia plan. During a craniotomy, the surgeon opens the scalp and skull, reaches the tumour, and removes the planned amount. The tissue is sent for laboratory examination.

After surgery, the patient is monitored in a recovery area or intensive care unit. The final tissue report helps doctors decide whether further treatment is needed.

What Are the Risks of Brain Tumor Surgery?

Brain surgery is a major procedure, and its risks depend on the tumour’s location, size, type, and the patient’s health. Possible complications include:

• Bleeding or infection.
• Brain swelling or seizures.
• Headaches or fluid leakage.
• Changes in speech, memory, vision, or balance.
• Weakness or loss of movement.
• Blood clots or complications related to anaesthesia.

Some effects may be temporary, while others can last longer. The surgeon should explain the risks that apply to the individual patient before treatment.

Recovery After Brain Tumor Surgery

Recovery is different for every patient. The length of the hospital stay depends on the operation, the patient’s condition, and whether complications occur. Some people need physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy before returning home.

After discharge, patients should follow wound-care instructions, take prescribed medicines, attend follow-up appointments, and avoid strenuous activity until the surgeon gives clearance. Follow-up MRI scans may be needed to check the treatment result.

Seek medical advice promptly if there is a fever, worsening headache, wound discharge, new weakness, confusion, or a seizure. Sudden or severe neurological symptoms need emergency care.

How Much Does Brain Tumor Surgery Cost in India?

The brain tumor surgery cost in India varies from patient to patient. Factors include the tumour’s location and complexity, type of surgery, hospital facilities, surgeon’s fees, length of stay, diagnostic tests, and medicines. Additional radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or rehabilitation can affect the overall expense.

Patients should request a written estimate that explains what is included and what may be charged separately. A reliable estimate can be prepared only after doctors review the scans and medical history.

How to Choose the Right Brain Tumor Specialist?

Brain tumour care often involves a team. A neurosurgeon performs the operation, while neurologists help assess and manage nervous system problems. Neuro-oncologists and radiation oncologists may guide additional treatment.

When researching the top 10 neurologists in India, remember that a neurologist and a neurosurgeon have different roles. For an operation, ask about the neurosurgeon’s experience with the specific tumour, the hospital’s neuro-intensive care facilities, and access to rehabilitation and oncology services.

Conclusion

Brain tumour surgery may help remove a tumour, confirm its type, or reduce pressure on the brain. However, not every tumour needs an operation, and complete removal is not always safe or possible. The treatment plan should reflect the tumour’s features and the patient’s needs.

Patients considering treatment in India should compare hospitals, specialist experience, available neuro-intensive care, rehabilitation services, treatment costs, and follow-up arrangements before deciding where to receive care.