What is brain surgery?
Brain surgery is a medical procedure that involves the physical manipulation of the brain to treat a variety of conditions, such as tumors, aneurysms, and traumatic injuries.
Brain surgery is typically performed by a neurosurgeon, a doctor who specializes in the surgical treatment of the brain and nervous system. Brain surgery can be invasive or non-invasive, depending on the specific procedure being performed.
Invasive procedures involve making an incision in the skull to access the brain, while non-invasive procedures, such as stereotactic radiosurgery, use technology to target specific areas of the brain without making any incisions.
The cost of brain surgery in India can vary widely depending on the specific procedure being performed and the location of the hospital. However, it is generally considered to be much more affordable than in many developed countries.
When does a person require brain surgery?
A person may require brain surgery for a variety of reasons, including:
- Tumors: Brain tumors, both benign and malignant, may require surgery to remove or alleviate symptoms caused by the tumor’s growth.
- Aneurysms: Aneurysms, or bulging blood vessels in the brain, can rupture and cause serious bleeding in the brain. Surgery may be required to repair or remove the aneurysm.
- Traumatic injuries: Trauma to the head, such as a skull fracture or brain injury, may require surgery to repair or remove damaged tissue and to reduce the risk of further injury.
- Epilepsy: In some cases, brain surgery may be performed to treat severe epilepsy that cannot be controlled with medications.
- Parkinson’s disease: Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure that may be used to treat Parkinson’s disease symptoms by implanting electrodes in the brain to stimulate specific areas.
- Hydrocephalus: A condition in which there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which can cause brain damage. Surgery may be required to remove the excess fluid and relieve pressure on the brain.
These are some examples of when brain surgery might be required. It’s important to note that not all conditions necessitate surgery and that the best course of action will be determined by the patient’s doctor after a thorough evaluation.
How many types of brain surgeries are there?
There are several different types of brain surgery, including:
- Craniotomy: An invasive procedure in which a portion of the skull is removed to access the brain. This type of surgery is used to remove tumors, repair aneurysms, and treat other conditions that require direct access to the brain.
- Stereotactic surgery: Non-invasive procedure that uses advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI or CT scans, to guide the surgeon to a specific location in the brain. This type of surgery is often used to treat deep-seated brain tumors and other conditions that are difficult to reach through traditional surgical methods.
- Functional neurosurgery: This type of surgery is used to treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and chronic pain by implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain to stimulate or inhibit certain neural pathways.
- Endoscopic brain surgery: A type of minimally invasive brain surgery in which a small camera and specialized instruments are inserted through a small hole in the skull to access the brain. This type of surgery is used to remove tumors and other small lesions in the brain.
- Skull base surgery: This type of surgery is used to access and remove tumors and other lesions located at the base of the skull. It can be done through the endoscopic, open, or combined approach.
- Brainstem surgery involves operating on the brain stem, the lower part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord. This type of surgery is used to remove tumors and other lesions located near the brainstem.
- Vascular neurosurgery: This type of surgery is used to treat conditions that involve blood vessels in the brain, such as aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
It’s important to note that different types of brain surgery may have different risks and benefits. The best type of surgery for a particular patient will depend on the patient’s specific condition and overall health.
Brain surgeries in India
India has a well-established healthcare system, and brain surgery is performed by highly skilled neurosurgeons in many major cities across the country.
India has a reputation for providing high-quality, affordable medical care, including brain surgery, to both domestic and international patients. The cost of brain surgery in India is generally lower than in many developed countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable medical care.
India has some of the best neurosurgeons in the world, who are well-trained and have performed complex procedures with a high success rate. Indian Neurosurgeons are well-versed in the latest surgical techniques and technologies, and many have trained and worked in top medical institutions abroad.
Many hospitals in India are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and modern technology for performing brain surgery, such as advanced imaging devices, and computer-assisted navigation systems, which help to increase the precision of the surgery.
That being said, it’s important to note that while India may offer affordable medical care, it’s still essential to research the hospital and surgeon you are considering thoroughly and to obtain a second opinion from another doctor if possible before going through with any surgery.