Craniotomy
Neurosurgery · Neurology
3–8 hours
Duration
Inpatient
Setting
4–8 weeks; ICU stay 1–3 days post-operatively
Recovery
₹2,50,000+
Cost
📖About Craniotomy
Surgical opening of the skull to access the brain for tumour removal, aneurysm clipping, or haematoma evacuation.
Duration
3–8 hours
Setting
Inpatient
Recovery
4–8 weeks; ICU stay 1–3 days post-operatively
Cost Range
₹2,50,000 – ₹8,00,000
Specialty
Neurosurgery
Success Rate
60–90% (pathology dependent)
Hospital Admission Required
This treatment requires hospital admission. Plan for time off work and arrange home support for your recovery period. Duration of stay depends on your response to treatment.
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📋Indications — Who Needs This Treatment?
- 1Brain tumour, intracranial haemorrhage, AVM, cerebral abscess, aneurysm clipping
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🔬How the Treatment is Performed
- 1Bone flap raised under general anaesthesia
- 2microsurgical resection or repair performed
- 3bone replaced and secured.
📝Pre-Treatment Preparation
- 1Consult a Neurosurgery specialist to confirm suitability for Craniotomy
- 2Complete all pre-treatment investigations as directed — blood tests, imaging, ECG, or specialist clearance
- 3Disclose all current medications, supplements, and allergies to your treating physician
- 4Fast (nil by mouth) for 6–8 hours if the treatment involves anaesthesia or sedation
- 5Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you, especially for procedures requiring sedation
- 6Follow all specific pre-treatment instructions issued by your care team regarding diet or medication changes
Star Health Insurance
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Comprehensive health cover for individuals & families from ₹299/month. Cashless treatment at 14,000+ hospitals across India.
⚠️Possible Side Effects & Risks
- 1Cerebral oedema, neurological deficit, seizures, infection, CSF leak, stroke
🩹Recovery & Aftercare
- 14–8 weeks
- 2ICU stay 1–3 days post-operatively
Treatment Journey — What to Expect
Before Treatment
Pre-treatment workup, consent signing, and preparation as instructed by your care team. Baseline tests and imaging completed.
During Treatment
Craniotomy is administered over 3–8 hours. Vital signs monitored. Your specialist manages any immediate side effects.
Immediate Post-Treatment
Recovery observation, assessment of initial response, discharge instructions provided. Follow-up appointment scheduled.
Long-term Recovery (4–8 weeks; ICU stay 1–3 days post-operatively)
Return to normal activities as tolerated. Monitoring for treatment response and side effects. Ongoing support from your specialist.
Craniotomy Cost in India (2024–25)
| Component | Govt / Budget | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Consultation | ₹300 – ₹800 | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Procedure / Session Cost | ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Medications | ₹500 – ₹3,000 | ₹2,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Follow-up & Monitoring | ₹300 – ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Rehabilitation / Aftercare | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 |
* Estimates for India 2024–25. CGHS / Ayushman Bharat may cover eligible treatments. Individual costs vary by hospital, city, and complexity.
Treatment Outcomes
Craniotomy has a documented success rate of 60–90% (pathology dependent) when performed by qualified specialists at accredited facilities. Individual outcomes vary based on disease stage, patient health, and adherence to the treatment plan and aftercare instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Craniotomy?+
Surgical opening of the skull to access the brain for tumour removal, aneurysm clipping, or haematoma evacuation.
Who is a candidate for Craniotomy?+
Craniotomy is recommended for patients diagnosed with specific conditions where other approaches have been insufficient. Your Neurosurgery specialist will assess your suitability based on your diagnosis, health history, and treatment goals.
How long does Craniotomy take?+
The typical duration is 3–8 hours. This may vary based on the complexity of your case and individual response to treatment.
What is the recovery time after Craniotomy?+
Recovery typically takes 4–8 weeks; ICU stay 1–3 days post-operatively. Your care team will provide specific instructions based on your response and overall health.
What are the risks or side effects of Craniotomy?+
Side effects vary by individual and are detailed in the section above. Your specialist will discuss all risks and benefits with you before treatment begins. Serious adverse effects are uncommon but are part of the informed consent process.
What is the success rate of Craniotomy?+
Craniotomy has a documented success rate of 60–90% (pathology dependent) at accredited facilities. Outcomes depend on disease stage, patient health, and adherence to the treatment plan and aftercare instructions.
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⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified specialist before deciding on any treatment. In emergencies, call 112.