Craniotomy in South Africa

Craniotomy is a preliminary surgical procedure necessarily performed to access the brain and proceed with further operations. It involves the cutting and opening of a portion of the skull in order to have access the brain. It is performed either in case of severe neurological or cerebral anomaly, or in case of traumatic as well as accidental injuries. Craniotomy is also performed to remove lodged foreign objects like iron rods, bullets, nails, etc. 

What is craniotomy?

The surgical removal of a bone flap or a portion of the skull to perform necessary operation on the brain is known as craniotomy. Post-operation, the bone flap is however fixed in position with the help of metal screws. Craniotomy involves carving out minute incisions or burrholes as well as significant incision known as keyholes to carry out necessary functions. The entire procedure is guided by endoscopes, stereostatic framing, as well as computer based imaging that helps the surgeons to:

• Remove blood clots in case of hemorrhage
• Draining of excessive Cerebrospinal Fluid
• Treat brain tumors
• Relax stressed arteries, veins or nerves
• Cure an injury
• Insertion of devices like Intracranial Pressure Monitoring system, Deep Brain Stimutaling devices

Ideal Candidates for Craniotomy surgery 

Evaluation for ideal candidacy for craniotomy surgery is primarily important. The surgeons shall decide an ideal candidate if the individual:

• Suffers from an advanced stage brain tumor
• Requires urgent biopsy of an affected brain tissue
• Suffers from additional intracranial pressure buildup
• Needs insertion of an artificial device to control brain functioning
• Has a foreign object lodged in the brain
• Suffers from hemorrhage 

Factors affecting the cost of craniotomy surgery in India

Craniotomy is mostly performed to treat or remove brain tumors (malignant or benign). An average brain tumor surgery cost may range from $20,000 to $28,000. Apart from tumors, the surgery is performed for a number of other reasons, depending on which, craniotomy cost may range from $8000 to $20000. It may hinge on:

• Reason for craniotomy surgery
• Type of craniotomy required 
• Extent of bone flap removal
• Extent of post-surgical follow up required
• Healthcare benefits required