Craniectomy Surgery Explained: Procedure, Benefits, Risks and Recovery
PACE Hospitals offers advanced craniectomy surgery in Hyderabad, India, providing life-saving treatment for conditions such as traumatic brain injury, brain swelling, stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and brain tumors. Our expert neurosurgeons perform decompressive craniectomy and other specialized cranial procedures using advanced surgical techniques to relieve pressure on the brain and prevent further damage.
With a strong focus on accurate diagnosis, emergency response, and personalized care, we ensure safe surgical outcomes, faster recovery, and improved neurological function for better quality of life.
A craniectomy is a major neurosurgical procedure in which a section of the skull is temporarily removed to relieve dangerous pressure on the brain. Unlike a craniotomy, the removed bone is not replaced during the same operation. It may be restored later through a procedure called cranioplasty, once the brain swelling has reduced.
Why Is Craniectomy Surgery Performed?
The skull is a rigid structure and cannot expand when the brain becomes swollen. Severe swelling or bleeding can therefore increase intracranial pressure, compress healthy brain tissue and restrict blood supply.
Craniectomy gives the swollen brain additional space, helping reduce pressure and prevent further neurological damage.
It may be required for:
Severe traumatic brain injury
Large ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke
Intracranial haemorrhage
Severe cerebral oedema or brain swelling
Brain tumours causing pressure
Intracranial hypertension
Hydrocephalus in selected cases
Brain abscess or infection with severe swelling
The procedure is commonly considered when medicines and other treatments are unable to control life-threatening pressure inside the skull.
Types of Craniectomy
The type of surgery depends on the location and severity of the brain condition.
Decompressive Craniectomy
A large section of the skull is removed to allow the swollen brain to expand safely. It is frequently performed following severe head injury, major stroke or brain haemorrhage.
Unilateral Hemicraniectomy
A section of the skull is removed from one side of the head. It may be used when swelling mainly affects one cerebral hemisphere.
Bifrontal Craniectomy
Sections of bone are removed from both frontal areas of the skull. This approach may be used when swelling affects both frontal lobes.
Bilateral Decompressive Craniectomy
Bone is removed from both sides of the skull when extensive swelling affects both cerebral hemispheres.
Suboccipital Craniectomy
A portion of bone is removed from the lower back of the skull. It may provide access to the cerebellum and brainstem and can be used for posterior-fossa tumours, Chiari malformation or brainstem compression.
How Is Craniectomy Surgery Performed?
The patient is placed under general anaesthesia. The Best Neurosurgeon in Hyderabad, India makes an incision in the scalp and removes a carefully selected section of the skull.
Depending on the underlying condition, the surgeon may also:
Remove a blood clot
Control bleeding
Remove or reduce a brain tumour
Drain an abscess
Repair damaged tissue
Relieve severe brain swelling
The removed skull bone is generally not replaced immediately. The scalp is closed, and the patient is shifted to the intensive care unit for close neurological monitoring. The bone may later be replaced through cranioplasty once the swelling has resolved.
Benefits of Craniectomy
The main purpose of craniectomy is to protect the brain from damage caused by increased intracranial pressure.
Potential benefits include:
Rapid reduction of pressure inside the skull
Prevention of brain herniation
Reduced risk of secondary brain damage
Improved blood supply to brain tissue
Better chances of survival in selected emergency cases
Improved possibility of neurological recovery
The outcome depends on the severity of the original brain injury, how quickly treatment is provided, the patient’s general health and the extent of damage present before surgery.
Possible Risks and Complications
As craniectomy is a major brain operation, it may involve risks such as:
Bleeding
Surgical-site infection
Seizures
Hydrocephalus
Wound-healing problems
Brain or nerve injury
Weakness, speech problems or cognitive changes
Blood clots
Pneumonia
Need for further surgery
Some neurological difficulties may be caused by the original brain injury rather than by the operation itself. Rehabilitation plays an important role in recovery.
Recovery After Craniectomy
Patients are usually monitored in the ICU after surgery. The duration of hospitalisation depends on the severity of the condition, neurological stability and the need for ventilator or critical-care support.
Recovery may involve:
Regular neurological examinations
Repeat CT or MRI scans
Wound care
Physical therapy
Speech and swallowing therapy
Occupational therapy
Cognitive rehabilitation
Seizure monitoring
Follow-up with a neurosurgeon
The hospital page notes that recovery after an open procedure may take approximately six to eight weeks or longer, while neurological recovery can continue for several months. Actual recovery varies significantly because many patients undergo craniectomy following a severe stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Until the skull is reconstructed, patients may be advised to wear a protective helmet and avoid activities that could cause injury to the unprotected area.
Craniectomy and Craniotomy: What Is the Difference?
In a craniotomy, the bone flap is removed temporarily and replaced during the same operation.
In a craniectomy, the bone flap is intentionally left out after surgery to provide room for the swollen brain. It may be replaced later through cranioplasty.
Why Choose PACE Hospitals for Craniectomy Surgery?
PACE Hospitals - Super Specialty Hospital in Hyderabad provides comprehensive neurosurgical and critical-care support for patients requiring emergency or planned cranial procedures.
Key facilities include:
Experienced neurosurgeons
Advanced CT and MRI imaging
Modern operation theatres
Neurocritical-care and ICU support
Continuous neurological monitoring
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation services
Emergency care for brain injury and stroke
Insurance and cashless-treatment assistance
The treatment plan is based on the patient’s neurological condition, imaging findings, severity of brain swelling and overall health.
Conclusion
Craniectomy is a potentially life-saving operation performed when severe brain swelling or bleeding causes dangerously high pressure inside the skull. By temporarily removing part of the skull, the surgery gives the brain room to expand and may prevent further damage or brain herniation.
Anyone with a severe head injury, sudden weakness, loss of consciousness, seizures, repeated vomiting or stroke symptoms requires immediate emergency medical attention. Early assessment by a neurosurgeon can improve the chances of timely treatment and recovery.
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