Brain surgery is well developed in Israel, due to our leading neurosurgeons. Since the brain is one of the most complex organs responsible for the cognitive functions of a person, there are only a few indications for surgical intervention on it:
♦ Brain tumors – benign or malignant tumors almost always require surgical intervention. In this case, a complete, partial removal of the tumor or biopsy is performed. In most cases, brain surgery is performed on primary tumors. These are tumors that first appeared in the brain tissue. The most common of these are benign tumors – meningioma, and malignant tumors – glioma. For patients with a secondary tumor – metastases of a tumor from other organs, or for people with rare tumors, most often brain surgery is not indicated.
♦ Cerebral vascular defects – aneurysm and malformation.
♦ Traumatic brain injury – fracture and hemorrhage.
♦ Intracerebral infections – abscess.
♦ Neurological syndromes – epilepsy.
Brain surgeries in Israel are performed under full or partial anesthesia.
Tumors are removed using various subtle techniques. During the operation, Israeli surgeons use imaging methods (ultrasound, computed tomography, MRI) to identify the area being operated on, and they also use a microscope and special navigation systems that allow them to get complete and accurate access to the problem area and prevent damage to neighboring tissues.
The duration of the operation depends on various factors, but on average it is from 2 to 4 hours. Complex operations can take a longer time.
Brain surgery is considered one of the most complicated surgeries available today, therefore, even the healing process is sometimes difficult and includes a long recovery and side effects that can be eliminated with medications.
Awake brain surgeries
Some brain operations are performed when the patient remains awake and breathes during the operation. The affected areas and the cross-sectional area undergo regional anesthesia, so during the operation the patient does not feel any pain, but remains awake throughout the surgery.
The main reason for the patient’s wakefulness during surgery is the reduction of the operating areas, which are crucial for motor and mental function. To protect these areas from damage during tumor resection, their identification is required, which is performed using soft and instantaneous electrical stimulation – if the stimulus temporarily affects the patient, the area is marked and protected from injury. If the stimulus does not work, then this area is used for surgery.
Brain surgeries performed by Israeli neurosurgeons:
⇒ Pituitary tumor removal – mini-invasive
⇒ Pituitary tumor removal – conservative method
⇒ Stereotaxis – brain
⇒ Cranioplasty
⇒ Bridging brain
⇒ Craniotomy
⇒ Catheterization – angiography
