Tumor & Colloid Cyst Treatments - Craniotomy
A craniotomy is a neurosurgical procedure in which a bone flap is removed from the skull to reach a brain tumor.
Patient Benefits:
- In certain situations, craniotomy is the safest and most effective means of removing a pituitary tumor.
Patient Risks:
- A potential risk in removing a pituitary tumor is damage to the pituitary gland, which may result in the need for hormone replacement therapy.
- Damage to the posterior pituitary may result in a condition called diabetes insipidus, which may or may not be permanent.
- Patients occasionally experience seizures after a craniotomy, which may require anticonvulsant therapy.
- Rarely, a cerebrospinal fluid leak may occur, which can lead to meningitis. Surgery may be required to repair the leak.
- Even less likely, the carotid arteries, located on either side of the pituitary, can be damaged during surgery, leading to a stroke or blood loss.
- Postoperative brain swelling or blood clots can occur.
