10/17/2023
Advancements in the field of Neurosurgery have made it possible to treat complex disorders of the most crucial and sensitive structures of the human body, the brain and the spine. Various types of Neurosurgery procedures are available nowadays, that allow doctors to address problems that were once considered untreatable. Neurosurgery refers to any invasive intervention, be it conventional, or minimally invasive, that aims at diagnosing, assessing and treating a variety of conditions involving the nervous system. It is a very intricate branch of medicine that calls for the need for added precision and accuracy. In this blog, we have enlisted and elaborated on some of the most common types of neurosurgery, that have brought about a revolution in Neuro Care and given hope to countless patients across the globe.
Craniotomy - The surgical modality involves the temporary removal of a small flap of the skull to access the brain. The technique makes it possible for doctors to address and treat a wide range of neurological problems like brain tumours, epilepsy, aneurysms and traumatic brain injury, with better access to the affected part of the brain. A craniotomy can be performed on different areas of the skull, based on which it can be classified into several different types, such as frontal craniotomy, temporal craniotomy, parietal craniotomy, Orbitozygomatic craniotomy and retro sigmoid craniotomy, which is also known as keyhole craniotomy.
Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery - The advent of minimally invasive modalities in the field of neurosurgery, has paved the way for new possibilities, allowing surgeons to precisely deal with complex brain and spine conditions, without any need for extensive invasion. This not only helps to reduce the overall time taken for surgery but also allows better access with minimal risks of bleeding, infections and anaesthesia-related complications. Doctors can simply pinpoint the problematic area and access it via a small hole, using special tools and advanced imaging techniques. Common minimally invasive interventions that have revolutionized the field of neurosurgery, include Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Cervical Microdiscectomy, Keyhole Craniotomy and Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
Functional Neurosurgery - A highly specialized type of neurosurgery, functional neurosurgery, aims at alleviating, controlling or treating symptoms triggered by various brain disorders, by modulating the delicate flow of signals within the brain cells. The most common example is deep brain stimulation, a phenomenal intervention that uses electrodes to stimulate selected areas of the brain, where abnormal neural activity is present. Other examples include vagus nerve stimulation and responsive neurostimulation. Various conditions that may be addressed by functional neurosurgery include Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, Dystonia, Essential Tremors, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and Chronic Pain.
Spine Surgery - As it is quite evident from the name, spine surgery is a term used for any invasive intervention that is performed on the spine, to treat a wide range of conditions and injuries. These interventions may be performed using a variety of different approaches, broadly classified as conventional spine surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery. The aim of the procedures can be to diagnose the underlying problem, treat it or manage the associated symptoms and prevent further damage. Common conditions of the spine that may call for the need for surgery include spinal stenosis, disc herniation, scoliosis and spine tumours.
Neurovascular Neurosurgery - The aim of neurovascular neurosurgery is to address problems that affect the intricate network of blood vessels in and around the brain and spinal cord, ensuring normal flow of blood supply to these. There are a variety of conditions like cerebral aneurysm, arteriovenous malformations and stenosis, that can disrupt the flow of blood to the brain and spine. Neurovascular neurosurgery uses advanced approaches to treat these problems, thereby helping to negate the risks of debilitating symptoms and life-threatening complications.
If you wish to know more about the different types of neurosurgery, consult leading experts for neurosurgery in Jaipur at Eternal Hospital.