Craniotomy for glioblastomas

SURGERY FOR MALIGNANT TUMOURS IN THE BRAIN


Glioblastomas are malignant tumours found in the brain — a craniotomy can be carried out to help treat them

Enquiries & Appointments

What is a gliobastoma?

Glioblastomas are malignant (cancerous) brain tumours. They can be extremely aggressive and spread quickly. As a result, removing these tumours can be challenging.

At HCA Healthcare UK, we can carry out a craniotomy to remove as much of the tumour as possible.

Need to know

Your HCA UK neurosurgeon will begin by creating a flap in your skill so they can access your brain. They'll then aim to remove as much of the glioblastoma as they can, without affecting your brain's ability to function. To finish the procedure, your neurosurgeon will close the flap and secure it with metal plates and screws.

A biopsy (sample) of the glioblastoma may be sent away to be tested for cancer. A craniotomy for glioblastoma often forms part of a wider treatment plan, involving radiotherapy and chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Unfortunately, reoccurring glioblastoma are common, even after surgery.

Before your craniotomy for glioblastoma, we'll ask you to attend a pre-operation appointment. During this appointment, your HCA Healthcare UK neurosurgeon or nurse specialist will explain what happens during a craniotomy and how to prepare for it.

You'll most likely be asked to limit your food and drink intake in the hours leading up to the procedure, as you'll be receiving a general anaesthetic.

You will be taken to our recovery are with your head bandaged. We'll remove these bandages after two to three days. The nuts, screws and plates in your head will be removed at a later date.

During your recovery, we'll insert a drip into your arm to keep you hydrated; and you may also have a catheter inserted into your bladder. These will be removed before you leave.

Your consultant or nurse specialist will let you know when you can leave the hospital.

They'll also arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of the glioblastoma biopsies.

Our Craniotomy for glioblastomas locations

The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.