Craniotomy for glioblastomas

Need to know

• What happen during a craniotomy? icon plus

  Your HCA UK neurosurgeon will begin by creating a flap in your skill so they can access your brain. They'll then aim to remove as much of the glioblastoma as they can, without affecting your brain's ability to function. To finish the procedure, your neurosurgeon will close the flap and secure it with metal plates and screws.
  
  A biopsy (sample) of the glioblastoma may be sent away to be tested for cancer. A craniotomy for glioblastoma often forms part of a wider treatment plan, involving radiotherapy and chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
  
  Unfortunately, reoccurring glioblastoma are common, even after surgery.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Before your craniotomy for glioblastoma, we'll ask you to attend a pre-operation appointment. During this appointment, your HCA Healthcare UK neurosurgeon or nurse specialist will explain what happens during a craniotomy and how to prepare for it.
  
  You'll most likely be asked to limit your food and drink intake in the hours leading up to the procedure, as you'll be receiving a general anaesthetic.

• After your craniotomy icon plus

  You will be taken to our recovery are with your head bandaged. We'll remove these bandages after two to three days. The nuts, screws and plates in your head will be removed at a later date.
  
  During your recovery, we'll insert a drip into your arm to keep you hydrated; and you may also have a catheter inserted into your bladder. These will be removed before you leave.
  
  Your consultant or nurse specialist will let you know when you can leave the hospital.
  They'll also arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of the glioblastoma biopsies.