Is Brain Surgery High Risk?

Understanding the Risks and Types of Brain Surgery

There are several critical medical conditions for which brain surgery is the only solution. It is a life-saving medical procedure that requires surgical interventions in the brain. Now, operating on such a delicate organ may lead to severe complications.

Thus, if you or your loved ones are planning to opt for brain surgery, it is customary to know the associated risks, types of conditions which require brain surgery, and other crucial details.     

Keep reading for comprehensive insight. 

What are the Risks of Brain Surgery?

The risks of brain surgery vary with the type of surgery and issues being treated. Here are some of the possible risks that may occur due to brain surgery:

● Brain infection

● Clotting of blood

● Bleeding inside the brain

● Swelling or inflammation of the brain

● Memory loss

● Complete loss or impaired speech

● Swelling or inflammation of the brain

● Seizures

● Stroke

● Reaction to anesthesia

● Coma, etc.

What are the Different Types of Brain Surgery?

Here are some of the common types of brain surgery:

1. Craniotomy

It is performed to remove a blood clot, tumour, epileptic tissue, or arteriovenous malformation. This is an open brain surgery in which the surgeon accesses the patient’s brain after removing a piece of the skull. The piece is replaced after the surgery is over.

2. Biopsy

It is performed to test if the individual has brain cancer or not. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a fluid sample or small tissue from the patient's brain. The sample is collected by inserting a needle into the patient's brain. It is a computer-guided procedure called stereotactic needle biopsy.

3. DBS or Deep Brain Stimulation

It is performed as a treatment for tremors, Parkinson's disease, and any other neurological condition. In this process, electrodes are placed inside the patient's brain, and how they send electrical impulses to the brain’s affected part is controlled by a small device that remains outside the brain.

4. Neuroendoscopy

It is a minimally invasive brain surgery method where doctors access the brain via the mouth or the nose with the help of a narrow tube equipped with a camera, known as an endoscope. It makes them able to extract tumours or address other problems without opening big incisions on the skull, which leads to quick recovery and fewer complications.

5. Endovascular Surgery

It is a minimally invasive procedure in which a surgeon puts a catheter via a small cut in the groin and guides it through the veins into the brain. This procedure makes it possible to treat vascular conditions such as blood clots (thrombectomy) or aneurysms without cracking open the skull, cutting down on recovery time and surgery risks.

6. Craniectomy

It is the process of removing a portion of the skull to access the brain, but unlike with a craniotomy, it is not immediately replaced. This technique is generally utilized when there has been extensive swelling of the brain due to a traumatic brain injury or stroke, as leaving the bone out reduces fatal pressure.

Once the swelling reduces, a subsequent procedure known as a cranioplasty restores the integrity of the skull.

7. Laser Ablation

It treats lesions deep in the brain that are difficult to access with conventional surgery. A slender laser probe is passed through a tiny opening in the skull, applying concentrated heat to kill (ablate) abnormal tissue, like tumours or epileptic foci, with minimal disturbance to nearby brain structures.

Why Do Doctors Recommend Brain Surgery?

The physical abnormalities in one's brain are corrected through brain surgery. Disease, congenital disability, injury, or any other issues in the brain often lead to these conditions. Doctors recommend brain surgery in the following cases:

● Congenital defects, like abnormal blood vessel connections between veins and arteries in the brain.

● Internal brain bleeding is caused by aneurysms, where weakened arterial walls rupture.

● Blood clots and bleeding that require surgical intervention to prevent further damage to the surrounding brain tissue.

● Epidural or subdural hematomas (collections of blood) that need surgical correction.

● Brain oedema is a fluid buildup causing swelling, headaches, and pressure on the brain.

● Brain tumours, especially cancerous ones, often require surgical removal.

● Certain epilepsy cases are caused by brain structure abnormalities or nerve pressure.

● Neuropathic pain resulting from nerve damage due to stroke, tumours, or accidents.

● Infections lead to abscesses in the brain tissue that may need surgical drainage.

● Parkinson’s disease, where surgery can help improve abnormal or weak nerve signals controlling motor functions.

Brain surgery may seem frightening, but it is performed by highly specialized neurosurgeons using advanced, state-of-the-art equipment. Survival rates for many brain surgeries, especially for non-malignant tumours, now exceed 90% in some cases, demonstrating the positive impact of modern medical technology.

Nonetheless, every brain surgery must be evaluated individually, and patients should have thorough discussions with their neurosurgeons to understand their specific risks and benefits.