Brain Tumour Surgery in Indore

What is microscopic brain tumour surgery?

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells inside the head. Some tumours are benign (not cancer) and grow slowly. Others are malignant (cancer) and can grow faster. Both types can cause problems by pressing on the brain.

In most brain tumour operations, the surgeon opens a small window in the skull. This is called a craniotomy. An operating microscope gives a bright, magnified view so the tumour can be separated from normal brain tissue. Tools such as neuronavigation (a computer guidance system, like GPS for the brain, that uses your scans) may be used to plan the safest path.

Sometimes only a small piece of the tumour is taken out for testing. This is called a biopsy. It is often done when the tumour is deep, in a sensitive area, or likely to be treated mainly with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The tissue report helps decide the next steps.

Who may need it

People with a brain tumour that is causing symptoms such as headache, vomiting, fits (seizures), weakness, or problems with speech, vision or balance.

People with a tumour that is growing on repeat scans.

People who need a tissue diagnosis (biopsy) to plan radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

People with raised pressure in the head because the tumour is blocking the flow of brain fluid.

Some small, slow-growing tumours that cause no symptoms can be safely watched with regular MRI scans instead of surgery. Some are better treated with focused radiation. Your surgeon will discuss this with you.

Surgery is one option, not the only one. It is decided after an examination and a careful look at your scans, and non-surgical treatment is discussed first where it is suitable.

How it is done

1
Before surgery, MRI and other scans are studied to plan the operation. You are given general anaesthesia and are fully asleep.
2
Your head is held still in a frame. A small area of hair may be shaved and the skin cut is planned to heal neatly.
3
The surgeon opens a small window in the skull (craniotomy) over or near the tumour. Guidance tools may help confirm the exact position.
4
Using the operating microscope, the surgeon removes as much of the tumour as is safe, while protecting important nerves and blood vessels. In some cases, part of the tumour is left behind on purpose to avoid harm to the brain.
5
The removed tissue is sent to the laboratory (histopathology) to find out exactly what type of tumour it is.
6
The bone is usually put back and fixed in place, and the skin is closed. You are then watched closely in the ICU (intensive care unit), often for a day or more.

Possible risks

Every operation carries some risk. Your surgeon will explain which of these apply to you.

Bleeding inside the head after surgery, which may need another operation.

Infection of the wound, bone or brain covering (meningitis).

Swelling of the brain, which can cause headache, drowsiness or new symptoms for a while.

New or worse weakness, numbness, speech, vision or memory problems. These may be temporary or, sometimes, permanent.

Seizures (fits) after surgery.

Leak of brain fluid (CSF leak) from the wound.

The tumour can grow back (recurrence), especially some types, and further treatment may be needed. Anaesthesia also carries its own risks.

Preparing for surgery

Bring all your scans (MRI, CT) on films or CDs, and all reports and prescriptions.

You will need blood tests, an ECG (heart tracing), and a check-up with the anaesthetist. Some people need extra scans before surgery.

You may be started on medicines to reduce brain swelling or prevent fits. Take them exactly as prescribed.

If you take blood thinners, stop them only when and as your doctor advises.

Follow the fasting instructions given by the hospital, usually nothing to eat or drink from the night before.

Arrange for a family member to stay with you throughout the hospital stay. If you travel from a nearby district, plan where the family will stay in Indore.

Recovery

After surgery, most patients spend some time in the ICU and then move to the ward. The hospital stay is often about 5 to 10 days, but it varies with the tumour, the operation and how you recover. Headache and tiredness are common for a few weeks.

The tissue report usually comes in about a week or two. Depending on the result, you may need no further treatment, regular scans, or radiotherapy and chemotherapy with a cancer specialist. Your surgeon will explain the report and the plan.

Some people need physiotherapy, speech therapy or help with daily activities for a while. Do not drive until your doctor says it is safe, especially if you had seizures. Keep all follow-up appointments and scans.

Questions patients ask

Is every brain tumour cancer?

No. Many brain tumours are benign (not cancer), such as most meningiomas. Even a benign tumour can cause problems if it presses on the brain. The exact type is known only after the tissue is tested.

Does every brain tumour need surgery?

No. Some small tumours that cause no symptoms can be watched with regular MRI scans. Some are treated with radiation or medicines. The decision depends on the tumour type, size, position and your general health.

Will my head be fully shaved?

Usually not. Often only a small strip of hair along the planned cut is shaved, and the hair grows back over the scar.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Often about 5 to 10 days, including a short stay in the ICU. Some patients go home sooner and some need longer, depending on how they recover.

Will the tumour come back?

It depends on the type of tumour and how much could be safely removed. Some benign tumours rarely come back once fully removed, while others need further treatment and regular scans. Your surgeon will explain this once the tissue report is ready.

Who can I talk to about my MRI report?

A neurosurgeon can explain what the scan shows and the choices available, after going through your reports.

Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Read moreSource: Content on this website was prepared with the help of AI tools (AI-assisted) and is medically reviewed by Dr. Kshitiz Nigam, MBBS, MS, MCh (Neurosurgery), Reg. No. MP-33282.