Our Summary

This research paper is about a surgical procedure known as awake craniotomy, which is used to remove brain tumors. In this procedure, the patient remains awake and can respond to the surgeons, allowing them to avoid damaging vital parts of the brain. The research was conducted at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana from 2015 to 2019 and involved patients who had a specific type of brain tumor, called gliomas, near important areas related to language or motor skills.

Over five years, 24 patients had this surgery. Among them, most reported they were able to cooperate well during the procedure and experienced only slight discomfort and moderate pain. After the surgery, a small percentage (13%) experienced a mild worsening of their neurological condition.

The surgeons were able to completely remove the tumor in most cases of malignant gliomas (60%) and in some cases of low-grade gliomas (29%). Importantly, the surgery did not significantly affect patients’ quality of life or their functional status.

In conclusion, the researchers suggest that awake craniotomy is a feasible and safe technique for treating gliomas. They emphasize, however, that careful patient selection, pre-surgery preparation, and teamwork among medical professionals are crucial for achieving the best results.

FAQs

  1. What is an awake craniotomy and why is it performed?
  2. What were the outcomes for patients who underwent an awake craniotomy for gliomas at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana?
  3. What factors are crucial for achieving the best results in an awake craniotomy according to the researchers?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about craniotomy is to follow all pre-surgery instructions carefully, including fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications that could increase the risk of bleeding. It is also important to discuss any concerns or questions with the medical team and to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure a successful recovery. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and attending follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring and managing any potential complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for awake craniotomy include those with brain tumors, specifically gliomas, that are located near important areas of the brain related to language or motor skills. These patients may benefit from being able to communicate with the surgeons during the procedure to help avoid damage to vital brain functions. Additionally, patients who are able to cooperate well and tolerate being awake during surgery may be good candidates for this type of procedure. It is important for patients to undergo careful selection and preparation before undergoing awake craniotomy to ensure the best outcomes.

Timeline

Before the craniotomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a brain tumor, specifically gliomas near important areas related to language or motor skills
  • Patient undergoes pre-surgery preparation, including imaging tests and consultations with medical professionals
  • Patient is informed about the procedure and risks involved
  • Patient is taken into the operating room and prepared for surgery

During the craniotomy:

  • Patient is awake and able to communicate with the surgeons
  • Surgeons carefully remove the tumor while avoiding damage to vital parts of the brain
  • Patient may experience slight discomfort and moderate pain during the procedure
  • Surgeons monitor the patient’s neurological condition throughout the surgery

After the craniotomy:

  • Surgeons successfully remove the tumor in most cases
  • Some patients may experience a mild worsening of their neurological condition post-surgery
  • Patient’s quality of life and functional status are not significantly affected
  • Patient undergoes post-operative care and rehabilitation to aid in recovery
  • Patient follows up with medical professionals for monitoring and further treatment as needed

Overall, the patient’s journey before and after a craniotomy for brain tumor removal involves thorough preparation, careful execution of the surgery, and ongoing support for recovery and long-term health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the craniotomy procedure in my specific case?
  2. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a craniotomy?
  4. How long will the recovery process take, and what can I expect during this time?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  6. How many surgeries of this type have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  7. Will I need to be awake during the procedure, and if so, how will this be managed?
  8. How will my pain and discomfort be managed during and after the surgery?
  9. What impact will the surgery have on my neurological function and quality of life?
  10. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and what follow-up care will be necessary?

Reference

Authors: Zele T, Velnar T, Koritnik B, Bosnjak R, Markovic-Bozic J. Journal: Radiol Oncol. 2023 Jun 21;57(2):191-200. doi: 10.2478/raon-2022-0052. eCollection 2023 Jun 1. PMID: 36653903