Ablative brain surgery

Surgical procedure involving the removal or destruction of brain tissue

Ablative brain surgery is a type of neurosurgery that involves the removal or destruction of brain tissue to treat various neurological disorders. This procedure is often used to alleviate symptoms in patients with conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and certain types of brain tumors.

Overview

Ablative brain surgery is performed with the goal of removing or destroying specific areas of the brain that are responsible for causing symptoms. The procedure can be done using different techniques, including surgical resection, laser ablation, and radiofrequency ablation.

Techniques

• Surgical Resection: This involves the physical removal of brain tissue through traditional surgical methods. It is often used for removing brain tumors or epileptic foci.
• Laser Ablation: This technique uses focused laser energy to destroy targeted brain tissue. It is minimally invasive and can be guided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Radiofrequency Ablation: This method uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy abnormal brain tissue. It is commonly used for treating trigeminal neuralgia and other pain disorders.

Applications

Ablative brain surgery is used to treat a variety of neurological conditions:

• Epilepsy: For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, ablative surgery can help remove the seizure focus, reducing or eliminating seizures.
• Parkinson's Disease: Ablative procedures such as pallidotomy and thalamotomy can help alleviate symptoms like tremors and rigidity.
• Brain Tumors: Surgical resection is often used to remove tumors, especially when they are causing increased intracranial pressure or other neurological deficits.

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgical procedure, ablative brain surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and potential damage to surrounding brain tissue. Careful planning and the use of advanced imaging techniques help minimize these risks.

Recovery and Outcomes

Recovery from ablative brain surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient's overall health. Rehabilitation may be necessary to help patients regain lost functions. Outcomes are generally positive when the procedure is performed for appropriate indications.

Related pages

• Neurosurgery
• Epilepsy surgery
• Parkinson's disease
• Brain tumor

Gallery

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  A neurostimulator device used in some neurosurgical procedures.