Keyhole Brain Surgery (Minimally-Invasive Retro-Sigmoid Craniotomy)

Keyhole surgery, which is also known as 'minimally invasive surgery’. There are many different types of conventional surgical procedure which can now be performed using keyhole surgery and the benefits to the patient are quite significant. These include less pain, minimal scarring, quicker recovery post operation and a faster resumption of normal everyday activities.

Depending upon the area of the body where keyhole surgery is being performed, about 3 or 4 tiny incisions (sometimes even fewer), usually only around 10mm each, are made into which a special channel or tube is inserted. This is known as a 'port' and via this port, a special viewing instrument called an endoscope is passed through.

Small Incision, Minimal Pain and No Large Exposure so chances of infection are almost nil. Keyhole surgery is cosmetically acceptable and allows quick recovery - You're back in the gym after a major Laparoscopic Surgery in 24 hrs.

There are many advantages to the patient undergoing keyhole surgery when compared with an open procedure

• Reduced blood loss : reduces the chance of needing a blood transfusion.
• Smaller incision : reduces pain and shortens recovery time.
• Less pain : so less pain medication needed.
• Reduced infections : due to reduced exposure of internal organs to the possible external contaminants, risk of acquiring infections is reduced.
• Relatively small scar : Since the keyhole surgery involves a small opening it leaves relatively very small scar in the body.

Keyhole Brain Surgery (Minimally-Invasive Retro-Sigmoid Craniotomy)

What is a "keyhole" craniotomy?

Retro-sigmoid craniotomy (often called "keyhole" craniotomy) is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure performed to remove brain tumors. This procedure allows for the removal of skull base tumors through a small incision behind the ear, providing access to the cerebellum and brainstem. Neurosurgeons may use this approach to reach certain tumors, such as meningiomas and acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas).

Benefits of "keyhole" craniotomy:

• Less pain than an open craniotomy
• Faster recovery than an open craniotomy
• Minimal scarring

The retro-sigmoid craniotomy is one of many treatment options for brain tumors. It may be performed for the following types of brain tumors:

• Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas)
• Meningiomas
• Metastatic brain or spine tumors
• Skull base tumors