The idea of needing brain surgery can seem incredibly daunting. Thanks to modern medicine, though, the once highly complicated practice of brain surgery can actually be described as minimally invasive. There are several new advancements that are making it easier than ever to have a brain tumor or an aneurysm treated.
Brain surgery, associated as it is with an extensive recovery time and significant pain and scarring, isn’t exactly an outpatient procedure. It can require weeks or months of physical therapy, medical care, and recuperation time. Still, a minimally invasive procedure could help you bounce back from surgery faster and easier than ever before.
One of the most common types of minimally invasive brain surgery is called keyhole brain surgery, a procedure that allows a surgeon to remove a brain tumor through an opening behind the ear the shape of – you guessed it – a keyhole. Experts say the area behind the ear is perfect for gaining access to the cerebellum and brain stem, helping doctors treat two common types of brain tumors: meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas.
While traditional brain surgery is associated with extensive recovery time, scarring, pain, and layers of brain tissue that need to be removed, keyhole brain surgery makes it easy for a neurosurgeon to peel back the necessary layers to reach the brain.
Another advancement to the study of minimally invasive brain surgery is endovascular surgery, or aneurysm embolization. In this procedure, the doctor can treat blood vessel problems using a catheter inserted through a small incision at the groin to the site of the brain aneurysm. Blood flow to the aneurysm is prevented with the release of coils that induce embolization, or clotting.
It is important to note that not all patients needing brain surgery may be good candidates for these minimally invasive procedures. It really depends on your particular ailment, health, and treatment options. A neurosurgeon can help you identify the best course of treatment for your condition.
For more information on minimally-invasive brain surgery and your options, contact Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery. If you would like to learn more about the brain surgery procedures to see if you are a candidate for one, call us today for your consultation at (303) 790-1800 or use our online form to request an appointment.
