Brain tumour removal

PRIMARY OR SECONDARY TUMOURS


Surgery to remove a brain tumour

Enquiries & Appointments

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About removing a brain tumour

There are different types of brain tumours, which vary in degrees of complexity. If you have been diagnosed with a brain tumour, there are a number of options to reduce or remove the tumour.

Your consultant will discuss in detail what options are available with regard to your diagnosis. Here we give a general guide to the surgical removal of a brain tumour.

Need to know

Your surgeon will explain what you can expect in advance of your operation. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic, and your consultant will make an incision in the scalp, before cutting a window in the skull to gain access to the tumour.

Generally these operations are performed using a microscope, sometimes using computer guidance and often specialist instruments to break up the tumour and remove it gradually, reducing damage to the surrounding brain.

In some situations the surgeon may perform keyhole surgery (neuroendoscopy) using a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light on the end (an endoscope). The surgeon will use the endoscope to cut away and remove the tumour. Neuroendoscopy is done through a small opening rather than having to remove a larger piece of the skull. Your surgeon can discuss with you if this is suitable in your situation.

Your neurosurgeon will explain your brain tumour removal to you and answer any questions you might have. Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.

You may also be asked to attend a nurse-led pre-assessment clinic. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
After your procedure you'll be transferred to our recovery ward, where you’ll be looked after by a specialist team. Your neurosurgeon will explain your recovery time to you and when you can expect to get back to your usual routine.

If you have had surgery to the front or side of the head, your face and eyes may be swollen and bruised after the operation, but the swelling should start to go down within 72 hours.

Brain tumour removal Consultants

Mr Neil Dorward

Mr Neil Dorward

Neurosurgery

Mr Francesco Vergani

Mr Francesco Vergani

Neurosurgery

Professor Dimitrios Paraskevopoulos

Professor Dimitrios Paraskevopoulos

Neurosurgery

Mr Sanjeev Bassi

Mr Sanjeev Bassi

Neurosurgery

Our Brain tumour removal locations

The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.