Craniotomy: what is the success rate? (62 years old)

Most people do well after skul base surgeries link this, the case needs an experienced team with a ENT who works with a neurosurgeon. Look for ,a center that does several of these type od cases a week. Ie, the House clinic in L.A

Sound advice, welcome to the group and you have 2 things out of 3 going for you. Last is something or someone to fight your way through this. Great luck being sent your way.

@lcoster, having any surgery is scary, especially brain surgery. I can understand why you would want to know about success rates. I agree with @thomhorowitz and @randallshields56 that best options are to go where there is expertise and a center where they do a high volume of surgeries. For example, Mayo Clinic neurosurgeons have extensive experience performing complex brain surgeries such as craniotomies. Every year, Mayo Clinic surgeons perform more than 1,400 craniotomies. Read more: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/craniotomy/care-at-mayo-clinic/pcc-20568983

Here are a couple of related discussions you may be interested in reading:
- What exactly happens before, during and after a Craniotomy? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-exactly-happens-before-during-and-after-a-craniotomy/
- What is recovery after craniotomy like? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-is-recovery-after-craniotomy-like/

@lcoster, do you have a date for your surgery? Are you at a center of excellence?

I’m 56 and had a retrosigmoid craniotomy at Mayo for a petroclival meningioma in June. Very similar location and hearing concerns as an acoustic neuroma. It is scary for sure, but the whole team at Mayo was excellent and I’m healing well. You are welcome to message me with any questions. All best to you!

Great to read about excellent team at Mayo. Im having craniotomy this fall and am wondering what to expect post op, how to best prepare for the best recovery possible, any other info you could share??
Thanks!

I had about 20 staples in my head following my craniotomy to remove a craniophariginoma.

In rehab the staples were removed by a Doctor using a pair of diagonal wire cutters.

Not very pleasant but a big relief, and no issues with the plate in my skull.

I’m having the surgery at Hopkins and the two specialists will work together. My research to date tells me I’m in good hands.

Yes, 9/17 and Hopkins.

If you can have someone with you for several weeks post op to help that would be ideal. The first few weeks for me were rough with respect to pain and swelling and steroid titration. Post-op I’ve had some balance issues and required a walker for a short time, mild eye nystagmus, some numbness in my face and jaw, and partial loss of hearing in my right ear. Some of these deficits are resolving on their own and some will be more permanent. It can take some time to see what shakes out as the swelling subsides and nerves heal. I’m also doing vestibular retraining which helps a lot! I’m still not driving because of my eyesight but I’m just about ready to give it a try since the nystagmus is improving. Everyone’s surgery is different and your doctor may be able to tell you what outcomes are most likely for you short and long term. If you have any more specific questions, happy to message! Best wishes!

I suggest getting as physically fit as possible prior to the surgery. A good level of fitness will help speed recovery.