The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Brain tumour removal
PRIMARY OR SECONDARY TUMOURS
Surgery to remove a brain tumour
About removing a brain tumour
There are different types of brain tumours, which vary in degrees of complexity. If you have been diagnosed with a brain tumour, there are a number of options to reduce or remove the tumour.
Your consultant will discuss in detail what options are available with regard to your diagnosis. Here we give a general guide to the surgical removal of a brain tumour.
Need to know
Your surgeon will explain what you can expect in advance of your operation. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic, and your consultant will make an incision in the scalp, before cutting a window in the skull to gain access to the tumour.
Generally these operations are performed using a microscope, sometimes using computer guidance and often specialist instruments to break up the tumour and remove it gradually, reducing damage to the surrounding brain.
In some situations the surgeon may perform keyhole surgery (neuroendoscopy) using a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light on the end (an endoscope). The surgeon will use the endoscope to cut away and remove the tumour. Neuroendoscopy is done through a small opening rather than having to remove a larger piece of the skull. Your surgeon can discuss with you if this is suitable in your situation.
Your neurosurgeon will explain your brain tumour removal to you and answer any questions you might have. Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.
You may also be asked to attend a nurse-led pre-assessment clinic. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You may also be asked to attend a nurse-led pre-assessment clinic. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
After your procedure you'll be transferred to our recovery ward, where you’ll be looked after by a specialist team. Your neurosurgeon will explain your recovery time to you and when you can expect to get back to your usual routine.
If you have had surgery to the front or side of the head, your face and eyes may be swollen and bruised after the operation, but the swelling should start to go down within 72 hours.
If you have had surgery to the front or side of the head, your face and eyes may be swollen and bruised after the operation, but the swelling should start to go down within 72 hours.
Our Brain tumour removal locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Chelsea Outpatients - 280 King's Road
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.