Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
craniotomy
Pronunciation: kray-nee-AH-toh-mee
Surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion of the skull to access the brain.
Full Definition
A craniotomy is a major neurosurgical procedure in which a surgeon removes a section of the skull bone (bone flap) to expose the underlying brain tissue. This approach allows direct access to the brain for tumor removal, aneurysm repair, or other therapeutic interventions. The bone flap is typically replaced and secured at the end of the procedure. This term frequently appears in operative reports and patient documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguished from craniectomy, where the bone flap is not replaced.
In Context
- "The patient underwent a left frontotemporal craniotomy for tumor resection." — operative report
- "Post-craniotomy care includes monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure." — nursing protocol
Also known as
skull opening
bone flap procedure
Contrasted with
craniectomy
Don't confuse with
craniectomy
cranioplasty