Pediatric Brain Surgery

Pediatric brain surgery treats lesions of the brain and its surrounding structures through an opening (craniotomy) in the skull (cranium).

Description of Pediatric Brain Surgery:

The hair on part of the scalp is shaved. The scalp is cleansed and prepared for surgery. An incision is made through the scalp and a hole is drilled through the skull. A piece of the skull is removed (usually temporarily) and the pediatric brain surgery is performed, after which the bone is replaced and secured in place.

Indications of Pediatric Brain Surgery:

Pediatric brain surgery may be needed to treat:

·        brain tumors

·        bleeding (hemorrhage) or blood clots (hematomas) from injuries (subdural hematoma or epidural hematomas)

·        weaknesses in blood vessels (cerebral aneurysms)

·        arteriovenous malformations (AVM; abnormal blood vessels)

·        damage to tissues covering the brain (dura)

·        pockets of infection in the brain (brain abscesses)

·        severe nerve or facial pain (such as trigeminal neuralgia or tic douloureux)

·        trauma to the skull and repair of skull fractures

Risks Associated With Pediatric Brain Surgery:

Risks for anesthesia related to pediatric brain surgery are:

·        reactions to medications

·        problems breathing

Risks for common pediatric brain surgery are:

·        bleeding

·        infection

Additional risks of pediatric brain surgery are:

·        injury to brain tissue

·        injury to blood vessels

·        nerve or muscle paralysis or weakness

·        loss of mental functions (memory, speech, understanding)

Learn more about Pediatric brain surgery at the Brenner Children’s Hospital web site.

Pediatric Brain Surgery