How is Hematoma Surgery Performed
Before we delve into the surgery, let us first understand what hematoma is. Hematoma is a condition when the blood vessels of the brain rupture and the blood starts to collect in the space between the brain and the skull. Most often, hematoma is a result of some head injury or trauma. However, aneurysm, a disease that makes the blood vessels rupture spontaneously, can also cause hematoma. Although anyone who has had a head injury can suffer from hematoma, alcoholics and elderly people are found to be more susceptible. Hematoma is a serious condition and needs emergency medical attention.
Hematoma may not always show the symptoms immediately, but when it does, it manifest in dizziness, slurred speech, nausea, headache, amnesia, and general disorientation of the patient.
If the hematoma is very small and does not show any symptoms, it may be treated without the surgical procedure. Certain medications and care should be able to heal these small hematomas in due time. But, if the hematoma is considerably big and is the cause of neurological disorders, a surgery has to be carried out at the earliest.
Now, to answer of the question – hematoma surgery can be performed in two ways: perforation and craniotomy. The selection of the method of surgery to be performed depends on the type and extent of hematoma in the patient.
If the hematoma is not very large, is mostly localized, and is not clotting excessively, the perforation method is adopted. In the perforation method, a hole is drilled through the skull and the blood is removed by suction.
If the hematoma is found to be quite large and clotted, the perforation method cannot be applied because the clotted blood will not come out by suction. In this case the craniotomy method of surgery is adopted. In craniotomy, a section of the skull is cut open and the blood is removed.
Both the methods of hematoma surgery are very critical and need a lot of expertise on the part of the neurosurgeon. After the operation, the recovery usually takes a long time, and proper medical care should be continued all throughout. Post operation, the patient should be given proper rest. Support from family and friends is crucial as it helps in recovery. Introduce normal daily activities to the patient gradually, even if the patient seems to have recovered considerably. In particular, do not allow the patient to take part in outdoor activities or sports until he/she has recovered fully.