Craniotomy

A craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which a piece of the skull is removed so the surgeon may access the brain beneath. The cut-away portion – called the bone flap – may be small or large, and is typically put back in place after surgery on the brain is finished the incision closed.

A craniotomy may be required for the surgical treatment of a variety of neurological/brain disorders, including:

• Cancer/tumor
• Infection
• Edema/swelling
• Hematoma (blood clot)
• Aneurysm (blood vessel rupture)
• AVM (blood vessel disorder)
• Skull fracture
• Foreign object removal

In addition to providing access to the brain, a craniotomy also allows a surgeon to inspect the brain for abnormalities, perform a biopsy or relieve pressure inside the skull.