Overview
Neurosurgery treats problems in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurosurgeons perform procedures to fix injuries, diseases, or pain.
Some patients need surgery right away. Others have procedures to prevent future problems. Surgeries can relieve pain, restore function, or improve quality of life.
Here are 10 common neurosurgery procedures. Knowing what each procedure involves helps patients prepare and understand care.
1. Craniotomy
A craniotomy is a surgical procedure to open part of the skull. It allows the neurosurgeon to access the brain safely.
Why It’s Done
Craniotomy may be needed to:
- Remove brain tumors
- Treat brain injuries or bleeding
- Remove blood clots
- Repair blood vessel problems
- Treat infections or abscesses in the brain
How It’s Done
The surgeon makes an incision in the scalp. Then a small piece of the skull is removed. Using special tools, the surgeon works on the affected part of the brain. After the procedure, the skull piece is replaced and secured.
Recovery
Recovery depends on the reason for surgery and the patient’s overall health. Patients may spend time in the ICU. Physical therapy or other rehabilitation may be needed. Full recovery can take weeks to months.
Risks
Craniotomy carries some risks, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling in the brain
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness in certain parts of the body
Early evaluation and proper care help reduce risks and improve outcomes.
2. Craniectomy
A craniectomy is a surgery that removes a portion of the skull. Unlike a craniotomy, the removed bone may not be replaced immediately. This allows the brain to swell safely after injury or surgery.
Why It’s Done
Craniectomy is often used to treat:
- Severe brain swelling after trauma or stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Brain infections or abscesses
- Certain brain tumors
- Complications from previous brain surgery
How It’s Done
The surgeon makes an incision in the scalp. A portion of the skull is removed to relieve pressure. The exposed brain is monitored closely. Later, the skull may be replaced in a separate surgery called cranioplasty.
Recovery
Recovery depends on the cause of the surgery and the patient’s overall health. ICU care is often required. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. Full recovery can take weeks or months.
Risks
Craniectomy carries risks similar to other brain surgeries, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak
Early medical care and follow-up are important to reduce risks and improve outcomes.
3. Laminectomy
A laminectomy is a type of spinal surgery. It removes part of the vertebra called the lamina. Removing the lamina creates more space for the spinal cord and nerves.
Why It’s Done
Laminectomy can relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Bone spurs
- Tumors or spinal injuries
How It’s Done
The surgeon makes an incision in the back. Muscles are gently moved aside. The lamina is removed to free the compressed nerves or spinal cord. Sometimes, bone or tissue is also removed to improve space.
Recovery
Recovery depends on the patient’s age, health, and extent of surgery. Hospital stay is usually 1–3 days. Physical therapy may help restore strength and flexibility. Most patients return to normal activities in a few weeks to months.
Risks
Like any surgery, laminectomy carries some risks, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury
- Weakness or numbness
- Persistent pain
Proper follow-up care and physical therapy help reduce risks and improve outcomes.
4. Discectomy
A discectomy is a surgery to remove part or all of a herniated disc. The disc is the soft cushion between the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Removing the damaged disc relieves pressure on the spinal nerves.
Why It’s Done
Discectomy is often needed when a herniated disc causes:
- Severe back or leg pain
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
- Weakness in muscles controlled by affected nerves
- Loss of bladder or bowel control in rare cases
How It’s Done
The surgeon makes a small incision in the back or neck. Muscles are gently moved aside. The herniated portion of the disc is removed. This reduces pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.
Recovery
Most patients stay in the hospital for a few hours to a day. Recovery includes rest, gradual activity, and physical therapy. Many patients return to normal activities within a few weeks. Full recovery may take several months.
Risks
Discectomy carries some risks, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury
- Recurrence of disc herniation
- Persistent pain
Early evaluation and careful follow-up can reduce risks and improve outcomes.
5. Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a type of spine surgery performed by a neurosurgeon. It joins two or more vertebrae together and prevents movement between them. A bone graft or metal hardware is used to create a solid bone bridge.
Why It’s Done
Spinal fusion can treat:
- Spinal instability from injury or disease
- Severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated discs that do not respond to other treatments
- Spinal fractures or tumors
How It’s Done
The surgeon makes an incision in the back, side, or neck. Damaged discs or bones may be removed. A bone graft or synthetic material is placed between the vertebrae. Screws, rods, or plates may secure the area. Over time, the vertebrae fuse into a single solid bone.
Recovery
Hospital stay can last 2–4 days. Physical therapy is often recommended to restore strength and mobility. Full fusion may take several months. Patients must avoid heavy lifting and bending during recovery.
Risks
Spinal fusion carries some risks, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury
- Nonunion (failure of bones to fuse)
- Persistent pain
Proper follow-up care and rehabilitation improve outcomes and reduce complications.
Not sure what to expect during your initial neurosurgical consultation? Learn all the details here.
6. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgery that implants electrodes in specific areas of the brain. These electrodes send electrical signals to regulate abnormal brain activity. A small device called a neurostimulator, similar to a pacemaker, is placed under the skin in the chest.
Why It’s Done
DBS is often used to treat:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Essential tremor
- Dystonia
- Certain movement disorders that do not respond to medication
How It’s Done
The surgeon makes small openings in the skull to place electrodes in the target area of the brain. Wires are connected to the neurostimulator under the skin of the chest. The device is programmed to deliver electrical pulses that help control symptoms.
Recovery
Patients usually stay in the hospital for 1–2 days. Full adjustment of the neurostimulator may take several weeks. Physical therapy and follow-up visits help optimize results. Most patients experience reduced tremors or improved movement.
Risks
DBS carries some risks, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding in the brain
- Stroke
- Device malfunction
- Changes in mood or thinking
Careful monitoring and regular follow-up help reduce risks and improve outcomes.
7. Endovascular Coiling
Endovascular coiling is a minimally invasive procedure to treat brain aneurysms. Small coils are placed inside the aneurysm to block blood flow and prevent rupture. The procedure is done through blood vessels, so open surgery is often not needed.
Why It’s Done
Endovascular coiling is used to treat:
- Brain aneurysms at risk of bursting
- Ruptured aneurysms to stop bleeding
- Certain vascular malformations in the brain
How It’s Done
The surgeon inserts a thin tube called a catheter into an artery, usually in the groin. The catheter is guided to the brain using imaging technology. Tiny coils are released into the aneurysm to fill it. Over time, the coils form a clot, sealing off the aneurysm from blood flow.
Recovery
Patients usually stay in the hospital for 1–2 days. Mild headaches or bruising at the insertion site are common. Follow-up imaging ensures the aneurysm is fully sealed. Most patients can return to normal activities within a week.
Risks
Endovascular coiling carries some risks, including:
- Bleeding or rupture of the aneurysm
- Stroke
- Infection
- Blood vessel injury
- Coil movement or failure
Early treatment and close follow-up improve outcomes and reduce complications.
8. Aneurysm Clipping
Aneurysm clipping is a surgical procedure to treat a brain aneurysm. The surgeon places a small metal clip at the base of the aneurysm. This stops blood from entering the aneurysm and prevents it from bursting.
Why It’s Done
Clipping is often used for:
- Brain aneurysms at high risk of rupture
- Ruptured aneurysms to stop bleeding
- Aneurysms not suitable for less invasive procedures like coiling
How It’s Done
The surgeon makes an incision in the scalp. A small section of skull is removed to access the brain. Using special tools, the clip is carefully placed at the base of the aneurysm. After surgery, the skull is replaced and the incision is closed.
Recovery
Hospital stay usually lasts 3–7 days. Patients may need ICU care after surgery. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy may help during recovery. Full recovery can take weeks to months.
Risks
Aneurysm clipping carries risks, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness
Careful follow-up and monitoring help reduce risks and improve outcomes.
9. Brain Tumor Resection
What It Is
Brain tumor resection is surgery to remove a tumor from the brain. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible while protecting healthy brain tissue.
Why It’s Done
Brain tumor resection is performed to:
- Remove cancerous or noncancerous tumors
- Relieve pressure on the brain
- Reduce symptoms like headaches, seizures, or weakness
- Improve overall brain function
How It’s Done
The surgeon makes an incision in the scalp and removes a small piece of the skull. Using specialized tools, the tumor is carefully removed. Imaging technology may guide the surgeon to ensure precision. The skull piece is then replaced, and the incision is closed.
Recovery
Hospital stay varies, usually 3–7 days. Recovery may include rest, medications, and physical or occupational therapy. Full recovery depends on the tumor’s size, location, and overall health. Follow-up imaging checks for any remaining tumor.
Risks
Brain tumor resection carries risks, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness
- Changes in speech, vision, or memory
Early detection and careful post-surgery care improve outcomes and reduce complications.
10. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Placement
A VP shunt is a medical device that treats excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. It is used to manage a condition called hydrocephalus. The shunt moves extra fluid from the brain to the abdomen, where the body can absorb it.
Why It’s Done
VP shunt placement is done to:
- Reduce pressure inside the brain
- Treat hydrocephalus caused by congenital conditions, injury, infection, or tumors
- Prevent damage to brain tissue from excess fluid
How It’s Done
The surgeon makes a small incision in the scalp and inserts a catheter into the brain’s ventricles. Another catheter is guided under the skin to the abdomen. A valve in the shunt controls the flow of fluid. Once the shunt is in place, incisions are closed, and the device begins working immediately.
Recovery
Hospital stay is usually 2–5 days. Patients may experience mild headaches or soreness at incision sites. Follow-up visits ensure the shunt is working properly. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks, but regular monitoring is needed for life.
Risks
VP shunt placement carries risks, including:
- Infection
- Shunt blockage or malfunction
- Bleeding
- Over-drainage or under-drainage of fluid
- Seizures
Early detection of problems and careful follow-up improve outcomes and reduce complications.