A craniotomy is the surgical removal of a portion of the skull or cranium bone. Specialized instruments are used to extract the bone fragment. The bone flap is removed and then restored after the brain operation.
Some craniotomy procedures may rely on computers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans to pinpoint the exact spot inside the head to be treated. This approach necessitates using a framework established on a system with or on skull-placed landmarks or markers. When either of the imaging procedures is used in conjunction with the process, it is referred to as craniotomy.
Reasons for Craniotomy Surgery:
- Blood or blood clots in the brain or membranes protecting the brain
- Brain tumour diagnosis and removal.
- Brain blood vessel abnormal tumour removal (AV malformation).
- Drain pus from the pus-filled pocket (brain abscess)
- Traumatic brain damage with a compression fracture (Head Injury)
- treating epilepsy
- repairing skull fractures
- Removing blood or blood clots from a leaking blood vessel
A craniotomy is associated with the following risks:
- Infection
- Pulmonary infection (pneumonia)
- Seizures
- Muscle fatigue
- Swelling of the brain
- The leakage of Cerebrospinal fluid (Fluid around the cavities of the brain)
Rare risks associated with some regions of the brain:
- Memory issues
- Difficulties with speech
- Paralysis
- Impaired balance or coordination
Why Is Rehabilitation Care Required Following Craniotomy?
A multimodal rehabilitation programme will be required for the craniotomy patient. Each member of the team is critical to the patient’s complete recovery.
Medical Attention: Oxygen may be required for many days. Before release, the patient will be continuously observed and progressively weaned off the medication. This has to be done by nurse service at home.
Muscle strength, arms and legs: General orientation to time, person, location, and pupillary function. Brain function should be checked regularly — moving arms and legs in response to orders.
Regular checking of brain function: Following commands such as moving arms and legs, the strength of muscles, arms, and legs, and the pupillary function should be monitored.
Skilled Nursing Care: Consistent monitoring of the overall condition and reporting any health status changes.
Safe administration of Medication:
Nutritional requirements: include tube feeding or aided oral feeding.
Positioning: To prevent swelling of your face and head, elevate the head of your bed. Normal swelling is seen.
Early ambulation: the patient is urged to move around while in bed. As the patient’s strength improves, they are helped to get out of bed and stroll around under supervision.
Preventing bed sores by assessing the risk of pressure ulcers. Tube and line care include urinary catheter care, tracheostomy, and wound care. A Sequential Compression Device, which passively compresses the leg veins to maintain blood flowing, can help avoid blood clots in the legs.
Grooming and hygiene: People with diabetes must take special care of their feet since they risk getting diabetic foot ulcers.
Physiotherapy: We will assess patients’ muscular strength, balance, and mobility. Following the examination, focused physiotherapy is delivered. The assessment may result in a modification in the care plan. PT will teach the resident/family how to do the exercises at home.
Speech and swallowing therapy: The swallowing therapist will regularly examine patients on tube feeds, and oral feeds will be introduced following a swallow test and confirming no reflux.
Respiratory Therapy: Chest physiotherapy and deep-breathing exercises are provided to aid in the re-expansion of the lungs and prevent pneumonia. Tracheostomy care will also be monitored and helped to avoid complications and early tube removal.
Clinical Nutrition: Dieticians decide and monitor the patient’s nutritional needs daily, including the type of feed, frequency and quantity of feed, supplements, and so on. When the patient is discharged, a diet chart is made and provided to him. Long-term hospitalization, ICU experience, and the disease can induce emotional difficulties. The clinical psychologist is vital to the patient’s emotional well-being.
Occupational Therapy: Patients with trouble with fine motions, grip, and other everyday activities will be trained to become self-sufficient in these areas.
Maintain a clean incision: Sutures or surgical staples are typically used to seal cranial wounds. Regarding incision care, follow the doctor’s directions. Some doctors advise patients to keep the wound dry, while others allow them to gently wash their hair (and the incision) shortly after surgery. Unless otherwise directed by your healthcare professional, do not use lotions, creams, or ointments to the incision. Cover the incision with a bandana or a loose cap when going outside.
Keep an eye on the incision for any symptoms of infection or problems: An incision that turns red and heated to the touch is likely infected. Fluid leaking or seeping after the bandage has been removed may suggest a problem, such as increased head pressure or a cerebrospinal fluid leak.
Pain management: Most patients leave with a prescription for a limited number of narcotic pain relievers. Complications might be indicated by uncontrollable or chronic discomfort. Notify the healthcare practitioner if the pain tablets are insufficient to manage pain or if the patient is still in severe pain after the narcotics have worn off.
Conclusion:
Our well-trained, experienced, friendly nurse at home takes care of Craniotomy patients with utmost care. The homestay nurse handles all their daily requirements, including doctor visits and medicines delivery.
