ABOUT BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY
Brain tumor surgery is performed by a neurosurgeon to remove all or part of a tumor from the brain.
A brain tumor occurs when abnormal cells form a mass in or around the brain. Cells in the body usually form, age, die, and are replaced with new cells. A tumor forms when the cells do not die, but continue to create new cells, forming a mass or growth.
A tumor can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Brain tumors can form as a result of exposure to radiation, if there is a family history of brain tumors, or if there is cancer located elsewhere in the body that spreads. There are 2 different ways in which the tumor can form, and these are known as a primary and secondary tumor. Primary brain tumors are less common than secondary brain tumors.
A primary tumor originates in the brain when a growth or mass of abnormal cells form a tumor. There is a variety of different types of primary tumors, some of which are benign, and others that are cancerous. Primary tumors which are usually benign include craniopharyngiomas, pituitary adenomas, meningiomas, and acoustic neuroma which also known as schwannoma. Primary tumors that are typically cancerous include primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET’s) and medulloblastomas. These types of tumors are named after the cells which are responsible for the abnormal growth of cells or mass which form.
Secondary brain tumors, which are also referred to as metastatic tumors, are tumors that form as a result of cancer located in other areas of the body that spreads to the brain. The most common types of cancers that can spread to the brain include lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, and kidney cancer.
A brain tumor can be diagnosed by conducting an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography), PET (positron emission tomography) which are different types of machines which create images of the brain and can detect if a tumor is present. A biopsy can also be taken to determine if a tumor is cancerous or benign. This involves taking a sample of the tumor, using a small needle, and examining it for cancer cells.
The aim of brain tumor surgery is to remove all of the brain tumor, however, this depends on the size and location of the tumor. In some cases, it may not be possible to remove all of the tumor, therefore the surgeon will remove as much as possible and the patient will receive other treatment to treat the remaining tumor. Other treatments which may be used in conjunction with surgery include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or radiosurgery.
Recommended for
- Fully or partially removing a brain tumor
- Diagnosing a brain tumor
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Number of days in hospital: 3 – 7 days.
The hospital stay varies with each procedure and how well the patient responds. Patients may need therapy afterwards, meaning they need to stay longer.
- Average length of stay abroad: 6 – 8 weeks.
This depends on the surgery performed, whether the patient needs rehabilitation, and on how well the patient recovers.
COMPARE BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tunisia | 3000€ |
| Turkey | 2382€ |
| Morocco | 1491€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY ABROAD
Patients will meet with the doctor to discuss the best of treatment for their brain tumor. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove all of the tumor. However, if the tumor is located in an area whereby removing all of it is not possible or is too high risk, then the doctor may recommend surgery as well as other treatment. The doctor will take the patients full medical history and run a series of diagnostic tests before establishing the patients suitability for surgery.
The patient will meet with the neurosurgeon who will perform the surgery. The neurosurgeon will discuss the operation in full and answer any questions that the patient may have.
Ahead of the surgery, the patient will usually be advised to refrain from eating and drinking in the hours preceding the surgery, in order to prepare for the general anesthetic. A neurological exam is performed which will also be performed after the operation, to compare pre and post-operative results. The hair around the surgical site will be shaved ahead of the surgery. The patient will be asked to remove any jewelry and to remove their clothing and wear a hospital gown.
Patients with complex conditions may benefit from seeking a second opinion before beginning a treatment plan. A second opinion means that another doctor, usually an expert with a lot of experience, will review the patient’s medical history, symptoms, scans, test results, and other important information, in order to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. When asked, 45% of US residents who received a second opinion said that they had a different diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment plan.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
How the surgery is performed, depends on the size and location of the tumor being treated.
A craniotomy is one of the surgical techniques used to remove a brain tumor. The surgery involves making an incision in the scalp and removing part of the skull bone around the problem area with specialized equipment, creating what is known as a bone flap. The bone flap is then temporarily removed, separating the dura matter from the bone to expose the brain. Any excess fluid is drained and devices may be applied to measure the pressure in the brain. Computer imaging and guidance may be used to help locate the tumor. The tumor is then removed and the neurosurgeon will then reattach tissue and the bone flap using sutures or wire.
In some cases, the bone flap may be left out of place if there is a lot of pressure in the brain. It will be put back into placed once the pressure is relieved. The incision site is then sutured and a bandage is applied. After the surgery, the patient is then taken to ICU (intensive care unit) to be closely monitored. A catheter may be put in place to help drain urine until the patient is fit enough to get up and move.
Another type of brain tumor surgery is a neuroendoscopy which is a minimally invasive surgery. The surgery involves removing the tumor through small incisions, rather than through one large incision. This type of surgery can create access to the tumor that may not be possible to reach through traditional surgery. An endoscope, which is fitted with a light and camera, is inserted through the small incision. The surgeon can view the tumor on a computer screen and can attach tools to the endoscope to aid the removal of the tumor. Once removed, the endoscope is removed and the incision sites are closed with sutures.
Anesthesia
General anesthetic.
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WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY
Post procedure care
Rehabilitation therapy may be necessary, depending on what area of the brain was operated on. Some patients may need physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy.
If only part of the tumor is removed, patients may need to to complete other treatment to target the remaining part of the tumor such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or radiosurgery.
Once discharged from the hospital, patients will be given advice on how keep the incision site dry and clean.
Depending on the area that was shaved, some patients may choose to wear a wig, however they will usually need to allow 3 to 4 weeks before doing so, in order to give the wound time to heal.
Patients should avoid strenuous activities for the weeks preceding the operation, in order to aid recovery.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY
Potential risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Brain swelling
- Fluctuation of blood pressure
- Memory loss
- Speech problems
- Coma
- Tension pneumocephalus (if flying too soon after surgery)
