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DR. JASKARAN SINGH

Senior Consultant - Neurosurgery

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DR. JASKARAN SINGH

Senior Consultant - Neurosurgery

Manipal Hospitals, Patiala

Brain Tumor Surgery: Preparation, Procedure, and Aftercare

Posted On: Oct 09, 2025
blogs read 5 Min Read
brain-tumor-surgery-preparation-procedure-aftercare

Brain tumour operations are life-threatening and crucial procedures that may be carried out to remove tumours in the brain, which are either benign or malignant. The thought of brain tumour surgery may frighten someone; however, with suitable preparation, expert surgical care, and complete follow-up care, a patient can have the utmost results. Patients from and around Patiala may avail themselves of the services of our highly experienced neurosurgeons in Patiala who offer the latest and compassionate brain tumour treatment, including surgical options as well as non-surgical options.

 

Preparing for Brain Tumour Surgery

Preparation for brain tumour surgery is a crucial phase, involving several steps to ensure patient safety and surgical success. The process begins with a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, MRI or CT scans to map the tumour's exact location, and neurological examinations to assess brain function.

Our neurosurgeons in Patiala take all the time needed to discuss the surgery details with patients and their families. This counselling session helps demystify the procedure, explaining potential risks, benefits, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Patients are advised about the need to stop certain medications that may increase bleeding risk and to fast for several hours before surgery.

Mental and emotional preparation is equally important. Anxiety about brain tumour surgery is natural, and our neurosurgeons in Patiala provide reassurance and answer all questions to foster confidence and trust.

The Brain Tumour Surgery Procedure

  • Brain tumour surgery typically involves a craniotomy, a surgical opening of the skull.

  • The procedure begins under general anaesthesia, ensuring the patient is fully unconscious and pain-free.

  • Once anaesthetised, the neurosurgeon makes a precise scalp incision near the tumour’s location.

  • Using advanced imaging guidance such as intraoperative MRI or neuronavigation systems, our neurosurgeons in Patiala carefully perform a bone flap removal, exposing the brain area containing the tumour.

  • The tumour is then delicately removed using microsurgical tools and sometimes laser technology.

  • The goal is to remove as much of the tumour as possible while preserving healthy brain tissue and function. Our neurosurgeons in Patiala also control bleeding meticulously to prevent complications.

  • After tumour removal, the bone flap is repositioned and secured with plates or screws, and the scalp incision is sutured closed.

  • The entire procedure’s duration depends on tumour size, location, and complexity, but usually takes several hours.

Brain Tumour Treatment Without Surgery

Not all brain tumours require surgery. Our neurosurgeons in Patiala assess each case uniquely and may recommend non-surgical treatments when surgery poses significant risks or when tumours are inoperable. These include:

  • Radiation therapy

  • Chemotherapy

  • Targeted drug therapies

In some instances, minimally invasive options like stereotactic radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife) provide precise tumour-targeting without incisions. These alternatives can complement surgery or serve as standalone treatments depending on tumour type and patient health.

Life After Brain Tumour Surgery: What to Expect

  • Life after brain tumour surgery involves a critical recovery phase that requires patience and support.

  • Patients usually stay in the hospital for three to ten days post-surgery for close monitoring of neurological function, vital signs, and wound healing.

  • Our neurosurgeons in Patiala and rehabilitation team work hand-in-hand to create personalised recovery plans, including physical therapy to regain strength and coordination and cognitive therapy if brain functions like speech or memory are affected.

  • It is common to experience Side effects after brain tumour surgery, such as headaches, fatigue, swelling, temporary weakness, or seizures. Our medical team provides pain management and seizure prevention medications to ease these symptoms safely.

  • Emotional and psychological support is also essential; many patients face anxiety or depression during recovery. Counselling and support groups facilitated by our neurosurgeons in Patiala help patients and families navigate these challenges.

  • Patients are gradually encouraged to resume daily activities, with full recovery timelines varying from weeks to several months based on the surgery’s extent and individual health.

Aftercare and Long-Term Monitoring

Effective aftercare significantly impacts brain tumour surgery outcomes. Regular follow-up visits with our neurosurgeons in Patiala include imaging scans to detect any tumour recurrence or complications. Medications are reviewed, and therapy programs are updated accordingly.

Wound care instructions are provided to prevent infections and promote healing. Nutritional guidance is offered to ensure the patient receives adequate nourishment, critical for brain recovery.

Our neurosurgeons in Patiala emphasise ongoing support for patients and caregivers, acknowledging that brain tumour surgery recovery is a journey demanding multidisciplinary care and understanding.

Conclusion

Brain tumour surgery marks a challenging yet hopeful step toward healing. With expert care from our neurosurgeons in Patiala, patients benefit from meticulous preparation, state-of-the-art surgical techniques, and compassionate aftercare. Whether through surgical or non-surgical brain tumour treatment, patients can look forward to improved health and life quality. By trusting our neurosurgeons in Patiala, patients gain lifelong partners dedicated to their recovery and well-being.

FAQ's

Preparation includes comprehensive medical tests, medication review, fasting before surgery, and counseling sessions with neurosurgeons to explain the procedure and answer queries.

Yes, in some cases, treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or stereotactic radiosurgery are effective alternatives to surgery, especially for inoperable or high-risk tumors.

Side effects include headaches, fatigue, swelling, seizures, and temporary deficits in neurological functions-but all are treated with medicines and therapies.

Recovery time varies greatly from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the location of the tumour, the complexity of the surgery, and the health of the patient.

Post-surgery our neurosurgeons further personalize aftercare not only about physical but also cognitive rehabilitation, counselling psychologically, wound management, frequent monitoring and support of family members.

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