Today surgeries differ significantly from the procedures used several decades ago. Minimally invasive surgery has become increasingly common across all medical specialties, and the neurosurgery field is no exception. This surgery has changed people’s outlook towards brain surgeries.
Minimally invasive surgery is a procedure that is performed through tiny incisions instead of large openings. The key purpose of this surgery is to safely remove brain and skull tumors through smaller, more precise openings. In the process of minimally invasive brain surgery, the tumors in the brain are removed to minimize damage to the surrounding tissue.
Thanks to advances in surgical operations, neurosurgeons can now perform minimally invasive procedures to remove brain tumors. Unlike open surgeries, these surgeries are safe and effective as they involve minimal incisions.
Certain brain conditions that require surgery
The concept of minimally invasive surgery first emerged in the 1980s as a safe and effective technique. It was used with the purpose of meeting the surgical needs of many patients.
In the last 20 years, many surgeons have come to prefer it over traditional (open) surgery. However, before going for this surgery, you should know about certain brain conditions which require this surgery.
- Congenital brain defects such as blood vessels malformations where connections between veins and arteries are formed in the brain.
- Internal bleeding in the brain where an arterial wall weakens and ruptures
- Infections in the area surrounding the brain tissues
- When the nerve between the brain and the spine gets damaged due to a stroke or a tumor.
The experienced neurosurgeons at Amandeep Group of hospitals perform minimally invasive procedures and endoscopic brain tumor resections using the latest imaging technology.
Firstly, we identify the underlying brain conditions. After that, we suggest minimally invasive surgery as per the severity of your tumors.
Various types of Minimally Invasive Surgeries are:
Biopsy
Brain biopsy is the procedure to remove abnormal tissues in the brain. The tissue cells can show what kind of brain lesion is present and whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
The purpose of brain biopsy is to diagnose an abnormality seen on an MRI or CT scan. After that, the sample of the suspicious area is taken to perform the surgery.
How is a biopsy performed?
In an open biopsy, an incision is made in the skull, and a small piece of tissue near the brain’s surface area is removed. However, in a needle biopsy, a needle is used to access deeper tumors in the brain. A stereotactic frame guides the needle into the brain during this procedure to reach an abnormal lesion or tumor.
Craniotomy
A craniotomy is a procedure used to treat brain cancer. During a craniotomy, a small portion of the skull is temporarily removed by a surgeon. It is done to remove a brain tumor easily. After that bone fragment is secured back into its place so that it can heal. Depending on your condition, your surgeon may remove a varying amount of bone.
Neuroendoscopy
This surgery offers a minimally invasive treatment option for deep-seated tumors within the ventricles. A narrow tube allows the doctors to access tumors like gliomas and brain metastases through a tiny incision in the skull.
Neuronavigation
Neuronavigation has become a vital tool in the management of brain tumor surgery. The neuronavigation technology helps in giving a clear view of the tumor. It provides a precise surgical reference by comparing the coordinating system of the brain with a parallel, coordinated system of three-dimensional image data of the patient. This procedure is helpful as an adjunct to other brain-mapping techniques like awake mapping and electrocorticography.
Radiosurgery
Radiosurgery is a procedure to destroy tumors and other diseases. The high-dose beams are meant to kill all the cells in the target area. In gamma knife radiosurgery a radiation therapy helps treat brain tumors and other abnormalities in the brain.
It uses specialized equipment to focus about 200 tiny beams of radiation on a tumor. This procedure is a safer alternative to standard brain surgery, which requires incisions in the scalp and dissection into the brain tissues. This surgery is helpful in the treatment of small cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
The main goals of radiosurgery are:
- Precisely locate the target of the tumor
- Accurately aim the radiation beam
- Shape the radiation beam to the target
- Deliver a specific radiation dose
Deep brain stimulation
Deep Brain Stimulation [DBS] uses implanted electrodes and electrical stimulation to treat tumors, dystonia, or Parkinson’s disease. In this procedure, surgeons implant one or more small wires in the brain. Then the patient receives mild electrical stimulation from the pulse generator.
Who can go for DBS?
DBS is more than a surgical procedure as it involves a series of evaluations, procedures, and consultations before and after the actual operation. The procedure is good for people who are suffering from:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Essential tremors
- Dystonia
- Psychiatric conditions
Endonasal endoscopic surgery
In this minimally invasive technique, a surgeon operates on areas at the base of the brain and the top of the spine. He inserts a thin tube called an endoscope through your nostril and nose. In this way, your surgeon can easily access the parts of your brain that would otherwise be difficult to reach using the traditional approach of open surgery.
Awake brain surgery
Awake brain surgery or awake craniotomy is a brain procedure that is performed while you are awake. It is used to treat some neurological conditions like tumors or seizures. In Awake brain surgery, a neurosurgeon will screen your pulse, blood pressure and stay next to you throughout the surgery.
Stereotactic Laser Ablation
Stereotactic laser thermal ablation is a minimally invasive technology that uses energy in the form of light to heat and destroys tumors. The technique is best to use in case you are suffering from:
- Brain tumors including, hypothalamic hamartoma
- Seizures resulting from a hypothalamic hamartoma or other lesions in the brain
Perks of using minimally invasive surgery
Unlike the traditional open surgeries that require a large incision, minimally invasive surgery uses multiple tiny incisions of less than an inch. High-tech cameras and computers have made this technique easier and effective. Various perks of using minimally invasive surgery include:
- Faster recovery time
- Lower risk of pain
- Lower risk of bleeding
- Lower risk of infections
- Smaller scars
Complications and risks involved:
Like any other surgical procedure, minimally invasive surgery also involves certain risks. These risks and complications may include:
- Bleeding
- Allergic reaction
- Blood clots
- Brain swellings
- Infection
- Impairment of bodily functions
Therefore, before going for a minimally invasive surgery you should consult your neuro specialists regarding the complications and risks involved.
Amandeep Group of Hospitals: Best Neuro Specialist in Amritsar
At Amandeep Group of Hospitals, we use the least invasive neurosurgical techniques to reduce the recovery time and to make a significant difference in your quality of life. Our highly skilled neuro specialist are committed to providing the best care to every patient.
Book an appointment with us and make a move towards the most effective brain care.