When you hear the words “brain tumor surgery,” it’s natural to have a lot of questions and want to understand exactly what lies ahead. Brain tumors come in different shapes and sizes, and so do the surgeries to remove or treat them. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or supporting someone you love, knowing about the different types of brain tumor surgeries can help you feel more prepared and informed about the treatment process.
What Is Brain Tumor Surgery?
Brain tumor surgery is a medical procedure where surgeons remove all or part of a tumor growing in the brain. Surgery is often the first step in treatment and aims to relieve symptoms, reduce pressure on the brain and, if possible, remove the tumor completely.
Before surgery, doctors use imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to find exactly where the tumor is and understand its size and relation to important brain areas. This helps them plan the safest and most effective way to operate.
Preparing for Brain Tumor Surgery
Getting ready for brain surgery includes meeting with your surgical team, undergoing tests and sometimes participating in a special type of exam called a functional MRI where certain functions of the brain are mapped to specific areas of the brain. Your doctors will explain the risks and benefits, answer questions, and prepare you for what to expect during recovery.
Remember, each brain tumor is unique, and the surgical method depends on the type of brain tumor you have and the tumor’s location. What works for one person might be different for another. Your medical team will tailor the treatment for a brain tumor to fit your diagnosis and health needs.
Types of Brain Tumor Surgery Explained
1. Craniotomy—The Traditional Brain Surgery
The most common type of brain tumor surgery is called a craniotomy. In this procedure, the surgeon creates an opening, or “window,” in the skull by temporarily removing a piece of the bone. This allows them to access the brain and carefully remove the tumor.
By using neuronavigation, which is like a real-time GPS for the brain during surgery, neurosurgeons are able to perform minimally invasive craniotomies based on precise presurgical planning.
Because the surgery involves opening the skull, you’ll likely spend at least one day in the neurologic intensive care unit, where you will be monitored closely after surgery. During your recovery, your doctor will help you manage any symptoms and monitor your brain function. You’ll slowly return to your daily activities.
2. Awake Craniotomy—When You Need to Stay Awake
Sometimes, brain tumors grow near areas that control language, movement or other important functions. In these cases, doctors might perform an awake craniotomy. During this procedure, you’re awake for part of the surgery, so the team can ask you to talk, move or respond to commands. This helps them avoid damaging critical brain regions while removing as much tumor as possible.
While the idea of being awake during brain surgery sounds scary, anesthesia and pain control ensure you stay comfortable. Awake craniotomy helps make the surgery safer and helps protect your normal brain functions.
3. Neuroendoscopy—Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery
For some tumors, surgeons can use a minimally invasive technique called neuroendoscopy. This involves making a small hole in the skull, mouth or nose and inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera, called an endoscope. The surgeon views the brain on a monitor and uses special tools to remove or biopsy the tumor.
Neuroendoscopy offers some benefits over craniotomy, including smaller incisions (cuts), less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.
4. Transsphenoidal Surgery—Through the Nose
Some brain tumors grow in the pituitary gland—a small gland at the base of the brain that controls hormones. These tumors are often removed using transsphenoidal surgery.
Instead of opening the skull, surgeons access the tumor through the nasal passages and sinus cavities. Using an endoscope inserted through the nose, they carefully work to remove the tumor without disturbing other brain areas.
Like neuroendoscopy, this approach is less invasive, can reduce complications and often allows for a faster recovery compared to traditional craniotomy.
5. Laser Ablation—Using Heat to Destroy Tumor Tissue
In certain cases, doctors may use laser ablation to treat brain tumors. During this minimally invasive procedure, a small hole is made in the skull to guide a thin probe directly into the tumor. Using MRI technology for guidance, doctors carefully position the probe, which sends out heat to destroy the tumor cells.
Unlike some other procedures that may use natural openings like the nose, laser ablation goes through a tiny opening in the skull to reach the tumor safely. Because it is less invasive than open surgery, recovery times can be shorter.
What Happens After Brain Tumor Surgery?
Once the tumor is removed or reduced, your care team will monitor you closely. You might spend time in the intensive care unit (ICU) or a specialty care unit where nurses check your brain function and vital signs.
You may feel tired, have headaches or experience some weakness or speech difficulties depending on the tumor’s location and surgery extent. Some people need speech therapy, physical therapy or occupational therapy to regain skills.
Follow-up imaging tests (like MRI) will show how much of the tumor was removed and help your oncologist determine if you need to plan any further treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy.
How Long Does Recovery From Brain Surgery Take?
Recovery time varies depending on the surgery type, tumor size and your overall health. Minimally invasive surgeries usually have faster recoveries, often a few weeks. More extensive surgeries, like craniotomies, may require several weeks to months of healing and rehabilitation. Patients who undergo awake brain surgery recover faster since they do not undergo general anesthesia and their complex neurologic function is monitored in real-time while they are awake during surgery.
It’s important to take gradual steps to return to daily activities and attend all follow-up appointments. Your healthcare team will guide you about when you can go back to work, drive and exercise.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects?
All brain surgeries carry some risks. Your surgeon will discuss risks specific to your case and ways to prevent or manage complications. Some risks of brain surgeries include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Neurological problems like weakness, speech changes or headaches
- Swelling around the brain
Side effects often improve over time with therapy and rest. You might need medications to control seizures or swelling after surgery.
What Is the Survival Rate for Brain Tumor Surgery?
Survival rates depend on many factors, including:
- The tumor type and grade
- How much of the tumor can be safely removed
- Location of the tumor
- Your age and general health
For some noncancerous tumors, surgery can often help and lead to great results. For more serious tumors like glioblastoma, surgery is usually just one part of the treatment, along with chemotherapy and radiation.
While statistics give a general idea, every patient’s experience is different. Your doctor can give you the best information about your outlook.
Open Communication With Your Care Team
Facing brain tumor surgery is a big step, but knowing your options can help you feel more in control. Whether it’s traditional craniotomy, awake surgery or minimally invasive techniques like neuroendoscopy, each type of surgery has its place depending on your tumor’s size, location, the part of the brain impacted and your personal health.
Ask plenty of questions, share any concerns and lean on your healthcare team for guidance. Recovery takes time, but many people go on to live active and fulfilling lives after brain tumor surgery.
Have questions about brain tumor surgery or treatment options? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn what’s best for you.