A brain tumor's location or proximity to vital tissue can make minimally invasive procedures difficult. Examples of such procedures include the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) or Neuroendoport® surgery. In these instances, our neurosurgeons may perform a tumor resection through traditional, microsurgical methods.
Microsurgery may require incisions or incisions behind the ear to safely access and remove the brain tumor.
UPMC neurosurgeons bring their expertise and experience to all types of brain resection surgery. During these surgeries, specialists remove tissue from the part of the brain where symptoms such as seizures originate. They may also remove some types of brain tumors and skull base tumors with brain resection surgery.
Before surgery begins, specialists shave the hair on your scalp near the surgery site. The neurosurgeon begins by making a small opening in the bones of the skull (known as a craniotomy).
Surgeons use different tools to access and remove problematic brain tissue or tumors. Your surgeon may use:
Experts use brain resection surgery for different conditions that affect the brain. Brain resection treats:
Surgeons use different types of surgery to treat disorders of the brain and to remove brain tumors. Brain resection surgeries include:
If you have epilepsy, brain resection surgery may help control seizures. When they've determined the part of the brain in which seizures originate, neurosurgeons may recommend lobe resection, including:
Prior to these surgeries, specialized scans and other diagnostic tests help surgeons visualize adjacent structures and nerve fibers. This allows them to preserve these healthy and important brain structures during operation.
UPMC surgeons use brain resection surgery to help people with epilepsy and people with brain tumors. These surgeries can help control symptoms and improve your quality of life. With brain resection surgery, you may experience benefits such as:
It's also important to understand the risks of brain resection surgery. Risks include:
Your neurologist and neurosurgeon will talk with you about your brain condition. You'll have imaging tests so the surgeon can determine the exact location of the tumors or seizures. Surgeons use this information to plan your brain resection surgery.
You may have:
Your neurosurgeon will tell you about the benefits and risks of brain resection surgery. They'll answer your questions about what to expect after surgery. When you and your neurosurgeon decide on a treatment plan, your surgeon will give you instructions for the day of your surgery.
Talk to your doctor about any medications you take and whether you should stop taking them before surgery. Your doctor will also give you instructions about whether you can eat or drink before the surgery.
On the day of surgery, specialists will shave part of your scalp. You'll receive medication so you don't feel pain if you're having an awake craniotomy. If you are not having an awake craniotomy, you'll receive general anesthesia.
After surgery, you'll stay in a recovery area for observation. Doctors will check your heart rate and blood pressure, and how your brain is working. You may have medication so you don't feel pain.
You may stay in the hospital for a few days, including some time in the intensive care unit (ICU). Specialists in physical therapy or speech and swallowing therapy may work with you to check your brain function. When you're discharged, your doctor will give you instructions for what to do at home as you continue healing.
The brain resection surgery recovery process is different for each person. You may recover in just a few weeks, or it may take longer to heal. Talk to your doctor about what you should expect depending on the type of surgery you have.
It's normal to have different symptoms as you heal. You may experience some pain and some trouble concentrating or remembering. Let your doctor know right away if you have:
Talk to your neurologist about any cognitive symptoms you experience. If medications don't control your seizures or other symptoms, brain resection surgery may help. Let your doctor know if your symptoms make it hard or impossible for you to:
Brain resection surgery isn't right for everyone. UPMC neurology experts help you learn about your treatment options and what you can expect.
UPMC neurosurgeons have experience and expertise in all types of brain resection surgeries. Our specialists make sure you have the information and resources you need to decide on the treatment that's right for you.
Contact the UPMC neurosurgery team to learn more about brain resection or to make an appointment. Call us at 412-647-3685 or 1-877-320-8762 (outside the U.S.).
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