What exactly happens before, during and after a Craniotomy?

@bnwenis, you asked about a craniotomy and "Does this mean they have to shave your head and remove part of your skull?"
I'm tagging fellow members @scottdemauex @jeanneoc @kdog1957 @thomhorowitz @cddonahoe @cscmaryann so they can share how their procedure was done.

Whether a piece of the skull (bone flap) is temporarily removed during surgery and how much hair is removed depends on the type of craniotomy. For example, with a keyhole craniotomy you may not need your entire head shaved for a keyhole craniotomy. Surgeons usually shave only a small area around the incision site to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. The rest of your hair is left untouched and can often cover the shaved spot as it grows back. If your procedure is planned near your hairline or forehead, the surgeon may make the incision in a way that helps hide the scar in the natural hairline.

You can read more here:
- Keyhole craniotomy https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/keyhole-craniotomy/about/pac-20585909
- Craniotomy https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/craniotomy/about/pac-20568981

I hope this information helps to prepare your questions for the neurosurgeon at your upcoming appointment.

Hi, I have looked through the comments and did not see where anyone mentioned what is involved in a craniotomy. Does this mean they have to shave your head and remove part of your skull?
Recently diagnosed with several meningiomas.

Along the planum sphenoidale is a homogeneously enhancing extra-axial mass measuring 1.0 cm with a dural tail.
5 mm homogeneously enhancing extra-axial mass overlies the posterior left occipital lobe.
Plaque-like extra-axial enhancement along the middle cranial fossa associated
with hyperostosis of the left greater sphenoid wing. Enhancement extends along the foramen rotundum.
Impression:
3 extra-axial enhancing mass is identified on the planum sphenoidale, along the
posterior left occipital lobe and along the left middle cranial fossa associated
with left sphenoid wing hyperostosis. Imaging findings are highly typical of
multiple meningiomas. Recommend outpatient referral to neurosurgery.

20 years ago I learned of an optic chasm tumor which they believed to be benign and is currently still there. My last MRI was September 2014 and these new masses were not there then. Waiting to see the neurosurgeon scheduled March 26th.

@as72 sorry ment to reply sooner . The first operation went well . They felt they had gotten it all . I did not have radiation following that until another popped up . I thought it was now all good . I am now working on what I need to do now . Look for further opinions.

@as72 The surgery was here in my town and performed by a wel know surgeon. I was told they got it all . The problem with is it is not an exact science. Then the other popped in addition. This is also possible as in my case . I have not had further issue there after the radiation treatment. I thought this was behind me . Now the regrowth is going to require further action. It appears it will be surgery. I am trying to explore all options first .

@scottdemauex did they get it all on the first craniotomy? The neurosurgeon said he thinks he could get it all and will not need radiation. Just wondering why it grew back. Where did you have the craniotomy?

@as72 The first one went well . I did have a complication after and had to have a drain put in to get rid of blood . I feel they pulled my post op drain too soon . Then I had an other pop up and had Cyberknife.
I have gone 5 years but now having regrowth . I am looking at further surgery. As you say they are all different.

@scottdemauex
How did the first craniotomy go? Any complications? I have been diagnosed a few months ago just waiting to see next MRI in March to see if it’s grown. When I had consultation with both neurosurgeons from Stanford and UCSF said they think the could get it all and wouldn’t need radiation. I understand each person and tumor is different

@as72 I did have a craniotomy . Post that it was found I had a small regrowth. I was treated with Cyberknife . I have gone 5 years with no issues. I was checked with my last MRI and it showed new growth of the original tumor. They are recommending surgery vs radiation. I am trying to see if there are other options for treatment.

@scottdemauex did you have craniotomy or cyberknife? What location?

@lindasoheila I have had a regrowth of my original tumor after 5 years. My radiologist has been very supportive. Now after a referral to a surgeon I feel like a number . It seems it is the only choice but I am wondering if other means exist since I am just repeating the process.