Trepanation of the skull

Trepanation of the skull, and in other words - craniotomy - a complex surgical procedure, in which the incision of the skull is performed. In the future, the actions of the surgeon depend on the reason for the need for trepanation - the presence of a tumor, epidural hematoma, etc. Such operations are very ancient. It is known that they were conducted in the eighth millennium.

The operation is absolutely necessary, saving, if a person has malignant and benign brain tumors, extensive hematomas, aneurysms, infectious foci (for example, abscesses), brain trauma from accidents (road traffic accident, domestic trauma, Etc.). Successfully apply such an intervention and to eliminate epileptic seizures.

The question of trepanation of the skull can be either planned or urgent. If the patient is observed in a neurological department with a diagnosis that has worsened and at the moment requires surgery, then such operations are considered predictable. The patient is prepared in advance for the procedure, makes the necessary analyzes, gives special medications to facilitate the consequences. In this case, the operations are more favorable and their outcome is largely successful.

If it is an emergency trepanation, then the forecast is very complicated. As a rule, if this is an accident, the fragments of the skull fall into the brain tissue and damage them. It is difficult to extract them, and the consequences for the patient's life are deplorable. Similar unfavorable situations occur when the aneurysm rupture or the presence of tumors. Because of the negative effect on the brain substance itself, the patient can continue to experience severe disorders.

Today, high-quality diagnostic equipment allows as little as possible to touch live, undamaged tissue, so penetration into the skull is minimal. Before the operation begins, the field that will be used during the procedure is shaved. Further processing with a special solution-antiseptic.

Trepanation of the skull in practice is done under anesthesia, most often under general, although there is the possibility of using local anesthesia. The head is fixed on the operating table using a special holder. After the onset of anesthesia, the skin is cut, the skull bone is exposed . With the help of a special drill, the surgeon cuts out the area under which the problem lies. After the removal of the bone, the solid medulla becomes visible, which is dissected, and a direct correction of the defect begins. The operation on the brain takes place under the control of magnifying equipment (special microscopes). Removal of tumors, drainage of purulent cavities, aneurysm suturing occurs with the use of special tools. After the operation is completed, the swab cleans all blood and checks for bleeding. After all the seams have been applied, the area of the cut bone is fixed, the skin is sewn and a bandage is applied. Usually the trepanation of the skull lasts quite a long time - at least three hours, or even more.

After the operation, the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit, where he is followed by medical personnel. If after two days there are no life-threatening symptoms, the patient is transferred to a normal ward. After that, he can sit down, eat and talk with his family. The statement is made no less than ten days, provided that the patient's condition does not worsen.

After the operation, dizziness, weakness, fatigue and irritability are possible. Over time, these symptoms pass. Trepanation of the skull is a complex operation, which also causes temporary cosmetic defects. Relatives need to maximally support the patient, monitor his health and not focus on the appearance. The recovery period after such an operation is about two months.