Re: Trepanation



Robert A. Fink, M. D. wrote: 
On 27 Jan 2006 20:06:01 -0800, afs_solutions@xxxxxxxx wrote:


Now that should be a topic to stir up some creative comments in this
forum, eh!? <Grin>

Actually, I've just started researching the subject; I was inspired
to after a buddy inquired about the Temporal Lobe surgery I underwent
two years ago (there was a small benign tumor removed from my brain).

In short, the surgery was a success, but it would appear that I was
left with a small indent where (I presume) the saw first started
cutting through the skull.  I'm not certain if there is now any bone
in that area, or just other tissue (durra, scalp, etc.)?  But the fact
that there is obviously a small quazi-circular part of the skull
missing, leads me to ask:  Am I currently in a similar state as someone
who had underwent a Trepanation?  I don't recall if my surgeon
commented on the skull's recovery, nor do I have access to any of the
MRI's taken post-surgery.

Anyway, I'm not itching for an answer on the subject; mainly just
curious, that's all.  I'll keep an eye on the forum for the next
little bit to see what type of input is fed-back.  Oh, and f.w.i.w. one
of the sites I've just started surfing is: www.trepan.com.

Looking forward to the feedback.  Cheers!

Paul 



If you are older than about 15 (and I suspect that you are), what you
are most likely feeling is some scar tissue at the site of the
original "burr hole" which was made to start the performance of the
"craniotomy" which was done to remove your tumor.  In children, this
small opening may get covered with re-growth of bone, but, in adults,
it usually fills in with scar tissue which, although it is not true
bone, is pretty firm.  Such burr holes are rarely larger than the size
of a U. S. dime.

If the area is larger, or if there is concern about cosmetic aspects,
it is possible to "fill in" the hole using acrylic or some such other
prosthetic device (called a "cranioplasty"), but this would involve
complete re-opening of the original incision and another period of
recovery.  And sometimes, the cranioplasty does not "take", requiring
yet more surgery.

In general, if the area is no larger than a burr hole, it is usually
left alone.  Speak to your neurosurgeon.


Best,

Bob

I'm not surpised to hear that openings the size of a dime would be left alone. I'm a little surprised to hear that surgery is rather routinely done through such small craniotomies. I assume modern imaging practices have done a lot to eliminate the old "steel plates".
Thanks for the info.

Steve


Robert A. Fink, M. D.
Neurological Surgery
2500 Milvia Street  Suite 222
Berkeley, CA  94704-2636  USA
510-849-2555

**********************************
NOTE:  The material above is not "medical
advice".  Medical advice can only be
given after an in-person contact between
doctor and patient.
**********************************


.

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