A lesionectomy is an operation to remove a lesion – a damaged or abnormally functioning area – in the brain. Brain lesions include tumors, scars from a head injury or infection, abnormal blood vessels, and hematomas (a swollen area filled with blood).

A lesion seems to cause seizures in about 20% to 30% of people with epilepsy who do not improve after taking medication; it is not known for certain if the lesion itself triggers the seizures, or if the seizures result from irritation to the brain tissue surrounding the lesion. For this reason, surgery may also include the removal of a small rim of brain tissue around the lesion, called lesionectomy plus corticectomy. Who Is a Candidate for Lesionectomy?

Lesionectomy may be an option for people whose epilepsy is linked to a defined lesion and whose seizures are not controlled by medication. In addition, it must be possible to remove the lesion and surrounding brain tissue without causing damage to areas of the brain responsible for vital functions, such as movement, sensation, language, and memory. There also must be a reasonable chance that the person will benefit from surgery.