Hemicraniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the skull on one side of the head, specifically the cranium, in order to access and treat underlying brain structures. The term is derived from the Greek words "hemi," meaning half, and "cranium," referring to the skull.
This procedure is typically performed to address various neurosurgical conditions, such as the removal of brain tumors, treatment of vascular abnormalities, or management of traumatic brain injuries. By temporarily removing a section of the cranial bone, neurosurgeons gain direct visibility and access to the affected area, enabling them to perform necessary interventions or surgeries more effectively.
Hemicraniotomy is usually done under general anesthesia, ensuring that the patient is asleep and pain-free during the procedure. Once the bone flap (craniotomy) is removed, surgeons have access to the underlying brain tissue, allowing them to perform operations such as tumor resection, hematoma evacuation, or tissue repair.
After the intervention, the cranial bone flap is meticulously replaced and secured using plates, wires, or other fixation devices, allowing the skull to heal back. This closure restores the protective function of the skull while maintaining the structural integrity of the head.
While hemicraniotomy is a surgical technique that carries risks like any other surgical procedure, it is considered a vital approach in the field of neurosurgery, providing a means to access and treat various brain pathologies while minimizing trauma to vital structures within the skull.
