Key Neurosurgical Operations Explained in Layman’s Terms
Neurosurgery is a special branch of medicine that deals with surgical treatment for conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system. While these surgeries may sound so complex, being able to comprehend them more simplistically can reduce fear and confusion among patients. This article will describe common neurosurgical procedures performed for neurological disorders in simple terms.
1. Craniotomy: Surgery on the Brain
A craniotomy is a surgical procedure where a bone flap is temporarily removed from the skull to expose the brain. The procedure is done for several reasons, which may include removal or treatment of a brain tumor, an injury to the brain, bleeding, and relieving pressure from the swelling of the brain.
Why Is It Done?
- To remove or biopsy a brain tumor.
- To relieve pressure from brain swelling or bleeding.
- To treat certain brain injuries or abnormalities.How It Works:
The neurosurgeon will make an incision in the scalp, then he will carefully take out a piece of the skull, allowing access to the brain. When the surgeon has completed his needed operation, whether it be the removal of a tumor or the halting of bleeding, he will replace the skull piece and stitch the incision closed. Recovery time for a craniotomy in the hospital usually takes quite a while.
2. Spinal Fusion: Repairing the Spine
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that joins, or fuses, two or more vertebrae. Spinal fusion is performed to treat such conditions as spinal instability, herniated discs, or degenerative diseases of the spine.
Why Is It Done?
- To stabilize the spine after an injury.
- To treat severe cases of spinal arthritis or disc degeneration.
- To correct abnormal spinal curvature-most often scoliosis.
How It Works:
During the surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in the back and reach the spine. The surgeon will then remove the disc or bone that has been causing damage and insert a bone graft, which can be taken from the patient or a donor. The graft encourages the vertebrae to fuse together. In some cases, metal hardware like screws or rods may be used to hold the spine in place while it heals.
3. Deep Brain Stimulation: Treating Movement Disorders
Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, is a neurosurgical procedure used to treat movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. Surgery involves implanting a small device in the brain that sends electrical impulses through specific parts of the brain to restore abnormal brain activity controlling tremors, rigidity, and involuntary movements.
Why Is It Done?
- To control symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including tremors and rigidity.
- To improve movement and quality of life for patients with movement disorders.
- To treat other conditions like chronic pain or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
How It Works:
It is accomplished by implanting a small electrode in that portion of the brain which governs movement. This electrode is then connected to a small device, much like a pacemaker, implanted in the chest. It sends electrical impulses to the brain, which helps decrease abnormal movements. DBS tends to be considered when medications either stop being effective or too many side effects occur.
4. Microdiscectomy: Herniated Disc Treatments
A microdiscectomy is any of a group of minimally invasive procedures used to treat a herniated disc in the spine. A herniated disc is when the gel-like center of a disc in the spine bulges out and presses on surrounding nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Why Is It Done?
To take pressure off spinal nerves caused by a herniated disc.
To alleviate pain, numbness, and weakness that does not respond to conservative treatments such as physical therapy. How It Works: During a microdiscectomy, the surgeon makes a small incision near the affected area of the spine and uses a special microscope to guide them. The damaged disc is then removed, relieving pressure on the nerve. This procedure is less invasive than traditional disc surgery, resulting in shorter recovery times and smaller scars.
5. Carotid Endarterectomy: Preventing Strokes
A carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure intended to treat narrowed or blocked carotid arteries supplying blood to the brain. When these arteries become clogged with plaque, the risk of stroke goes up. The surgery removes the plaque so that normal blood flow to the brain can be restored.
Why Is It Done?
To prevent strokes in patients with severe carotid artery narrowing or blockage.
To reinstitute normal flow of blood to the brain.
How It Works:
In this surgical procedure, the surgeon performs an incision in the neck to reach the carotid artery. The artery is opened and the accumulated plaque is carefully taken out. Once the artery is cleared of plaque, the surgeon closes the artery and stitches up the incision. This surgery lessens the risk of stroke by improving blood supply to the brain.
6. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Treating Brain Tumors Without a Scalpel
Stereotactic radiosurgery, also called stereotactic radiation therapy, is a type of radiation therapy that treats brain tumors, AVMs, and some types of cancerous brain lesions. In spite of the name “surgery,” stereotactic radiosurgery is a noninvasive (incision-free) treatment that uses narrow beams of radiation to destroy tumor tissue or other abnormalities inside the brain.
How Is It Done?
To treat brain tumors or AVMs.
To treat conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia or some types of epilepsy. To destroy lesions in the brain that cannot be reached by conventional surgery. How It Works:
The patient typically lies down while a special helmet or frame is placed on the head to keep it in a fixed position. Several beams of radiation are converged precisely on the tumor or lesion from multiple angles. The radiation causes damage to the abnormal tissue, which eventually shrinks or is destroyed. This procedure usually does not require an overnight stay in the hospital.
7. Laminectomy: Relieving Pressure on the Spine
A laminectomy is a type of surgery in which part of the vertebra known as the lamina in the spine is removed. It’s performed to treat conditions, such as spinal stenosis, in which the spinal canal narrows and pinches the spinal cord or nerves inside.
Why It’s Done
The treatment of nerve compression caused by spinal stenosis or other conditions involves.
To relieve pain, weakness, or numbness in the arms or legs.
How It Works:
During a laminectomy, the surgeon removes a portion of the vertebra to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves. This helps alleviate pressure and reduces symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness. In some cases, additional procedures like spinal fusion may be performed to stabilize the spine.
Conclusion
Neurosurgery includes a wide array of procedures that may be performed to treat disorders of the brain, spine, and nervous system. Although these procedures may sound complex, they are aimed at improving patients’ quality of life and addressing debilitating symptoms. By understanding key neurosurgical procedures in simple terms, patients and their families can make more informed decisions about treatment options. Always consult with a qualified neurosurgeon to discuss your condition and explore the best possible treatment path.
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