The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Surgery for epilepsy
TEMPORAL LOBECTOMY OR RESECTION
Our leading neurosurgeons carry out surgery to reduce epileptic seizures using advanced techniques
What is a temporal lobectomy?
A temporal lobectomy involves removing part of the brain's temporal lobe to eliminate or reduce the occurrence of epileptic seizures (fits) in suitable individuals.
This is done by removing the section of the temporal lobe called the hippocampus and amygdala where the seizures tend to start. It's an effective surgical procedure if the epileptic seizures are caused by scarring of this part of the temporal lobe, but is usually carried out when medication proves ineffective.
A temporal lobectomy can be carried out on children and adults.
This is done by removing the section of the temporal lobe called the hippocampus and amygdala where the seizures tend to start. It's an effective surgical procedure if the epileptic seizures are caused by scarring of this part of the temporal lobe, but is usually carried out when medication proves ineffective.
A temporal lobectomy can be carried out on children and adults.
Need to know
The procedure happens under general anaesthetic, which means you'll be asleep.
An incision is made behind the hair line to allow a window to be cut in the skull, giving access to the temporal lobe of the brain. Some of the hair along the line of the incision may be shaved but this depends on the preference of the surgeon.
An EEG monitor may be used to record your brain waves during the procedure and to guide your surgeon to the area where the seizures start. Computer guidance may also be used for this part of the operation. When the surgery is complete, the bone window is replaced and the incision closed.
Before the procedure, you will have been fully assessed by a neurologist, neuroradiologist and your surgeon. There are certain investigations which will almost certainly be performed before any surgery is contemplated:
- A CT or MRI scan. This might display tissue damage in the brain, which could be causing seizures. Detailed MRI scans of the temporal lobe are particularly important.
- An electroencephalogram (EEG) scan. This measures electrical activity produced by the brain. A video EEG may also be used, to display what happens in your brain as a seizure takes place.
- Single-photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT). This displays blood flow in different areas of the brain. Blood flow is usually higher in areas where a seizure takes place.
- Functional MRI. This looks at areas important for speech, language and movement. It can also be useful as an assessment of memory function but sometimes another test (WADA) is used for this.
After your temporal lobectomy 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.
You'll need to take your anti-seizure medication as usual after surgery. When your consultant sees that the surgery has been successful and that your seizures are under control, they may slowly reduce your medication.
Our Epilepsy 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
Devonshire Diagnostic Centre
Devonshire Street W1G 7AF 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 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.