Elective craniotomy
An elective craniotomy is a planned neurosurgical procedure in which a portion of the skull is removed to allow access to the brain.
Indications
This surgery is typically performed to treat conditions such as brain tumors, brain aneurysms, and chronic epilepsy, or to relieve pressure on the brain due to swelling or injury.
Unlike emergency craniotomies, which are performed in response to acute situations (e.g., traumatic brain injury), elective craniotomies are scheduled in advance, giving the medical team time to plan the procedure carefully. The decision to undergo an elective craniotomy is often based on the severity and progression of the condition being treated, to improve the patient's quality of life, or treat a life-threatening issue.