Craniectomy
Craniectomy
Craniectomy (pronounced: /kræniˈɛktəmi/) is a surgical procedure where a part of the skull, known as the bone flap, is removed to allow a swelling brain to expand without being constricted by the skull. This procedure is typically performed to alleviate intracranial pressure following a traumatic brain injury or stroke.
Etymology
The term "Craniectomy" is derived from the Greek words "kranion" (κρανίον) meaning skull, and "ektome" (ἐκτομή) meaning excision or removal.
Procedure
During a craniectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the scalp and uses a special type of saw to remove a piece of the skull. The underlying dura mater, a tough membrane that covers the brain, is then opened to relieve pressure. The bone flap that is removed is typically stored in a freezer or in the patient's abdomen. It can be replaced in a later operation, a procedure known as cranioplasty.
Related Terms
- Craniotomy: A surgical operation in which a bone flap is temporarily removed from the skull to access the brain.
- Decompressive Craniectomy: A type of craniectomy performed to treat brain swelling.
- Hemicraniectomy: A craniectomy where half of the skull is removed.
- Suboccipital Craniectomy: A type of craniectomy performed at the base of the skull.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, craniectomy carries certain risks. These may include infection, bleeding, and damage to the brain. There is also a risk of hydrocephalus, a condition where an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid occurs within the brain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Craniectomy
- Wikipedia's article - Craniectomy
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