CRANIECTOMY

A craniectomy is similar to a craniotomy in
all ways except one. While “otomy” means
cutting into, “ectomy” means removal. In a
craniectomy the bone removed for access to the
brain is not replaced before closing the incision.
The neurosurgeon may perform a craniectomy if
s/he expects swelling to occur following surgery,
or if the skull bone is not reusable. When the
bone is reusable it can be replaced at a later date
when it will not cause additional pressure. The
skull piece is stored by the medical facility until
a time when it might be reused. If a craniectomy
is done, you will receive instructions from your
health care team for protecting the soft spot
created by the missing bone.