CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
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
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Gamma Knife Centre
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients 15 - 17 Lodge Road, St John's Wood NW8 7JA London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience
Alan's story
Despite years of experiencing heart problems that just wouldn’t go away, Alan was apprehensive about having a surgical procedure. But with the expertise of his consultant and the latest cardiac technology, he decided to go ahead.
Andrew's story
“I couldn’t move my legs at all, and my arms only partially. But now I can walk six miles. I wouldn’t have got that without the physio team at The Christie Private Care, I simply wouldn’t have.”
How a second opinion helped uncover a hidden cardiac problem
Former Olympic swimmer, Adrian, was used to prioritising his physical wellbeing and continued to exercise regularly, keeping him in good health into his 60s. But when he got out of the pool one day, he noticed that something wasn’t right.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.