Neurosurgical treatments

Brain tumours and craniotomy

In a craniotomy, the surgeon temporarily removes a section of skull to reach the brain. Depending on the tumour’s location and the treatment goal, surgery may obtain a tissue sample, remove part or all of a tumour, or relieve pressure.

Discuss at the OPD. Bring the original MRI or CT images and any prior pathology reports. Ask what the operation aims to achieve and what follow-up may be needed.

Head injury and bleeding

Some blood collections after head injury need surgery to remove the clot or relieve pressure. The surgical team decides based on the CT findings and the patient’s condition. Once acute care is complete, the OPD can review recovery and follow-up imaging.

Urgent symptoms. For a serious head injury, sudden weakness, or new trouble speaking, seek emergency care immediately.

Microdiscectomy

The surgeon removes the portion of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve. It may be considered when the symptoms, examination and MRI point to the same compressed nerve.

Spinal decompression

Decompression creates more room for compressed nerves. In spinal stenosis, this may involve removing some bone or thickened tissue from the narrowed part of the spinal canal.

Spinal fusion

Fusion joins adjacent vertebrae to stabilise a segment of the spine when there is a specific reason to do so. Ask why fusion is recommended in your case and whether decompression alone is an option.

Minimally invasive spine surgery

Selected operations can use a smaller surgical corridor. Ask whether a minimally invasive approach can achieve the same surgical goal for your anatomy and condition.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Hydrocephalus involves a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles. A VP shunt diverts fluid through a tube to the abdomen, where it can be absorbed. Follow-up is part of shunt care.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy

In selected cases, the surgeon makes a small opening inside the brain to let fluid bypass a blockage. The cause of hydrocephalus and the anatomy on imaging help determine whether this approach is suitable.

Trigeminal neuralgia

Bring a description of the facial pain, its triggers, and the medicines already tried. The consultation can clarify whether additional imaging or a discussion of procedural options is appropriate.

Evaluation for epilepsy surgery

Bring seizure records, medication history, MRI and EEG reports if available. A surgical opinion can help decide whether to pursue a specialist epilepsy evaluation.