Brain Tumor Surgery: Procedure, Benefits, and Recovery
October 4, 2024Brain tumor surgery is a complex and critical procedure, often a pivotal step in treating these challenging conditions. While not all brain tumors are equally severe, many patients will likely undergo surgery at some point in their journey toward recovery and a better quality of life.
Several factors influence a patient's decision regarding brain tumor surgery, including:
- Preparation: Understanding the procedure, potential risks, and benefits is essential.
- Surgical Techniques: The availability of various surgical options can impact treatment outcomes.
- Postoperative Outcomes: Knowing what to expect after surgery helps patients make informed decisions.
This blog provides an overview of different brain tumor surgeries, the recovery process, and potential changes that may occur after the procedure.
Common Types of Brain Tumors
Here are the most common types of brain tumors:
Gliomas:
- These are the most common type of malignant brain tumors, arising from glial cells that support and protect nerve cells.
- Gliomas can be benign or malignant, and their severity varies depending on the type and grade.
Meningiomas:
- These are the most common type of primary brain tumor, originating in the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain.
- Most meningiomas are benign and slow-growing, but some can be malignant.
Pituitary Adenomas:
- These are benign tumors that develop in the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain.
- Pituitary adenomas can cause hormonal imbalances and vision problems.
Acoustic Neuromas:
- These are benign tumors that develop on the acoustic nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain.
- Acoustic neuromas can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems.
Metastatic Brain Tumors:
- These are secondary brain tumors that spread to the brain from another part of the body.
- Metastatic brain tumors are often caused by cancers of the lung, breast, colon, and kidney.
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Preparing for Brain Tumor Surgery
It is important for individuals to prepare for brain tumor surgery physically, psychologically and logistically. The surgeon’s team carry out a series of tests before the brain surgery to check for the overall fitness of the patient and plan for the targeted lesion removal. The following two sections explain the preparation phase in detail:
Planning Phase
Consultation with a Neurosurgeon:
- Discuss the patient's medical history, symptoms, and the type of brain tumor.
- Understand the risks, benefits, and potential complications of the surgery.
- Discuss the surgical procedure and the expected recovery time.
Imaging Tests:
- CT scan or MRI scan to visualize the tumor's location, size, and extent.
- PET scan or SPECT scan to assess the tumor's metabolic activity and spread.
Pre-operative Evaluation:
- General physical examination, including blood tests and heart tests.
- Evaluation of the patient's overall health and ability to tolerate surgery.
Preparatory Phase
Medications:
- Discontinue certain medications, such as blood thinners and aspirin, as directed by the doctor.
- Take prescribed medications as instructed.
Dietary Restrictions:
- Follow a specific diet as recommended by the doctor, such as avoiding certain foods or drinks.
- Maintain proper hydration.
Personal Care:
- Shower or bathe with antibacterial soap before the surgery.
- Avoid applying makeup or lotions to the face.
- Remove any piercings or nail polish.
Hospital Admission:
- Arrive at the hospital on the scheduled day, usually a few hours before the surgery.
- Follow the hospital's instructions regarding fasting and pre-operative procedures.
Anesthesia:
- Discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used (general, spinal, or local) with the anesthesiologist.
- Answer any questions about allergies, medications, and medical history.
Consent Form:
- Sign a consent form that outlines the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the surgery.
Emotional Support:
- Talk to family and friends about your feelings and concerns.
- Consider seeking support from a mental health professional if needed.
Types of Brain Tumor Surgery
Brain tumor surgeries are categorized based on the surgical approach and the extent of tumor removal. Here are the primary types:
Craniotomy
- Description: This is the most common type of brain tumor surgery, involving opening the skull to access the tumor.
- Types:
- Open craniotomy: A large incision is made in the scalp and skull.
- Keyhole craniotomy: A smaller incision is made, and specialized tools are used to access the tumor.
- Removal: The surgeon removes as much of the tumor as possible, depending on its location, size, and type.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
- Description: This non-invasive procedure uses high-energy radiation beams to target and destroy the tumor without cutting into the skull.
- Suitable for: Smaller tumors, especially those that are difficult to reach surgically.
- Types:
- Gamma Knife radiosurgery: Uses multiple beams of gamma radiation.
- CyberKnife radiosurgery: Uses a robotic arm to deliver radiation beams.
Endoscopic Surgery
- Description: This minimally invasive technique uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and surgical instruments to access the tumor through small incisions in the skull.
- Suitable for: Certain types of tumors, such as those located near the base of the brain.
Awake Surgery
- Description: The patient remains awake during the surgery, allowing the surgeon to monitor brain function and avoid damaging critical areas.
- Suitable for: Tumors located near areas of the brain that control movement, speech, or sensation.
Other Types
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is removed to confirm the diagnosis of the tumor.
- Shunt placement: A tube is inserted to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and relieve pressure on the brain.
- Tumor debulking: A portion of the tumor is removed to reduce its size and pressure on the brain.
The choice of surgical procedure depends on the type of tumor, its location, size, and the patient's overall health. The surgeon will discuss the options with the patient and recommend the most appropriate approach.
Brain Tumor Surgery in India
The growing influx of foreign patients since last decade for medical treatment is due to various reasons. Treatment of brain tumors in India is performed at an advanced level, features state-of-art medical technology and experienced professionals and is cost-effective. The country has surgeons experienced in neuroendoscopy as well as more complex surgeries such as awake craniotomy. Even these surgeons work in hospitals with international accreditation to provide enough safety and care to the patients.
India is considered one of the best countries for economical brain tumor surgery, irrespective of the approach or technology used. Brain Tumor Surgery Cost In India usually ranges between $6500 and $8500.
Type of Brain Tumor Surgery | Approximate Cost in India (USD) |
Craniotomy | 6000 - 7500 |
Keyhole (minimally invasive) Brain Tumor Removal | 7000 - 8500 |
Cyberknife / Gammaknife | 7000 - 8000 |
Endoscopic Brain Tumor Removal | 7500 - 9500 |
Awake Brain Surgery | 8000 - 9500 |
Top Hospitals for Brain Tumor Surgery in India
It is very important to choose a hospital that has the latest and advanced infrastructure to cater to the needs of the patients who need surgical excision of brain tumors. There are several hospitals in all major cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad etc. that are known for their quality of care and services for international patients looking for brain tumor surgery in India.
What Are the Treatment Options for Someone with an Inoperable Brain Tumor?
When it is said that a tumor is inoperable, it implies that the factors related to its location, size, or the patient's overall health do not permit surgical intervention.
However, there is a wide range of other treatments for lesions that may be classified as inoperable brain tumors:
- Radiation Therapy: This technique involves directing high-energy beams at tumor cells to kill them or reduce tumor size.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapeutic agents are administered to eradicate malignant cells or inhibit tumor growth.
- Targeted Therapy: This treatment uses medications that target the genes or proteins responsible for tumor growth.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Highly focused radiation beams are used to treat very small tumors or growths in a non-invasive manner.
- Palliative Care: This treatment aims to improve patients' quality of life by alleviating symptoms and distress.
Care and Recovery After Brain Tumor Surgery
Recovery from brain tumor surgery depends on factors like brain tissue function, surgical extent, tumor location, and overall health. It's often a long process involving hospitalization and outpatient rehabilitation.
Hospital Stay:
Hospital stays vary based on surgical technique and patient condition. Typically, patients stay 3-7 days for neurological assessment, pain and edema management, and imaging studies to check for tumor remnants and complications. Some patients may require extended stays due to complications or intensive rehabilitation needs.
What to Expect:
Brain tumor surgery can lead to physical and emotional changes.
- Physical Recovery: Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, speech impairment, and visual or motor impairment. Medications help manage pain, swelling, and seizures.
- Emotional Recovery: Surgery can affect emotions, causing anxiety, depression, and irritability. Family, friends, and mental health professionals can provide support. Consider support groups or counseling for emotional management.
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Long-Term Outlook: