Craniotomy refers to a surgical opening made in the skull for treating several kinds of problems in the brain. A piece of the skull is removed using special tools which allowentry to the brain for surgery.
The most common causes for conducting a craniotomy are for treating head trauma, aneurysms, tumours, arteriovenous malformations (AVM) as also abscess in brain. The craniotomy surgery cost must be reckoned with.
There are many concerns after surgery. These include:
Pain in wound site/ incision spot:
Depending on the incision, sensation of pain changes from person to person. Usually there is mild pain at the incision spot. However, it is most common to feel pain at the base of the neck as well a shoulder blades due to distraction of disc space.
In case there is excessive drainage, swelling or pus from the incision site, seek medical attention quickly. If you experience nausea, chills, fever, etc., consult doctor fast. Medical attention is urgent if you have trouble breathing after surgery.
About wound care:
Within the second day after surgery, your bandage will be removed. Sutures and staples should be left at the incision spot till you arrive for the post-operative follow up visit to the surgeon (1 to 2 weeks after surgery). She will examine the wound and remove the bandage. In case you have a drain, you must track drain output daily. Usually the drain can be removed 7 days after surgery.
You can shower from the 3rd d day post-surgery. But excessive mode of showering may irritate the wound. Do not make contact with the wound but let water flow over it. Steer clear of bath tubs, ocean, swimming pool, etc. till 3 weeks’post-surgery. Contact with non-sterile water may cause infection at the wound site.
About daily activities:
Avoid lifting objects weighing more than 5 to 10 pounds in the first few weeks post-surgery. This limit can be increased to 20 pounds after six weeks after surgery. Steer clear of any object weighing more than 20 pounds till 3 months after surgery.
You can resume driving 2 weeks after surgery if your pain medication is not interfering with your reflexes. It is dangerous to drive in a state of weak consciousness. Also avoid driving if you suffer from seizures.
Avoid excessively long car rides till 4 weeks’post-surgery.
Avoid any activities which can cause potential for falling or any physical exertion (lifting children/ sporting activity) till you have been allowed by your neuro-surgeon.
Start moderate exercise like walking as soon as possible after surgery. It helps prevent blood clots and increase muscle strength.
About diet:
Constipation can be caused by pain medication. You can consume stool softeners and laxatives for this and also a fibre rich diet.
Hospital stay:
It can differ as per every individual case. Some might go home the same day after surgery while others may take 2 days of hospital stay.
Returning to work:
You can return to work as per the progress of your healing and the nature of your work. For sedentary jobs, you can return faster than in case of jobs involving physical exertion.
These are some aspects about recovering from craniotomy surgery. Price of craniotomy surgery in India is relatively low, so it attracts medical tourists from all over.