How Is Brain Tumor Surgery Performed?

Brain tumors are serious conditions that directly affect both quality of life and vital body functions. For this reason, once diagnosed, one of the most effective treatment options is surgery. Brain tumor surgery is a highly advanced procedure that requires technology, precision, experience, and careful planning. Since the tumor type, size, and location differ in every patient, surgical planning is always personalized.

Having achieved numerous successful outcomes in neurosurgery, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı performs brain tumor operations using modern microscopic and navigation-guided techniques to ensure maximum safety at every stage.

Purpose of Brain Tumor Surgery

The main goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while protecting healthy brain tissue. Because the brain is a highly complex organ, achieving this goal requires advanced expertise.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that the purpose of surgery is not only tumor removal but also preserving the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, every procedure is carefully planned in advance.

Preparation Before Brain Tumor Surgery

Preoperative preparation plays a critical role in surgical success. This stage includes medical and psychological preparation.

Imaging and Diagnosis

Advanced imaging techniques are used to evaluate the tumor

• MRI and MR Spectroscopy
• CT scan
• Angiography
• PET scan

These methods provide detailed information about tumor location and its relationship with surrounding tissue.

Using this data, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı creates a personalized surgical plan.

Surgical Planning

Surgical planning acts as a roadmap.

• Brain mapping using neuronavigation is performed
• The safest surgical pathway is determined
• Awake brain surgery may be planned if needed

This approach helps protect critical brain functions such as speech and movement.

Anesthesia

Most surgeries are performed under general anesthesia.

In awake brain surgery, the patient remains conscious during certain stages to allow real-time monitoring of brain function.

How Is Brain Tumor Surgery Performed?

Brain tumor surgery involves accessing the brain, removing the tumor, and closing the surgical area.

Positioning and Preparation

• The patient is positioned carefully.
• The head is fixed using a special stabilization system.
• The surgical area is sterilized.

Craniotomy

• The surgeon creates a small opening in the skull to access the tumor.
• This bone flap is replaced after tumor removal.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı uses minimally invasive techniques to reduce tissue damage.

Opening the Brain Covering

• The protective membrane of the brain is carefully opened under a surgical microscope.
• This allows direct visualization of the tumor.

Tumor Localization

• Neuronavigation and intraoperative imaging help identify the exact tumor location.
• These systems act like a GPS for the brain.

Tumor Removal

• This is the most critical stage.
• The tumor is removed using microscopic surgical tools.
• Neuromonitoring protects important brain functions.
• Advanced tools such as ultrasonic aspirators may be used.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı removes as much tumor as safely possible.

Bleeding Control

Special techniques are used to control bleeding and protect brain tissue.

Closure

• The brain covering is closed.
• The skull bone is replaced.
• The skin is sutured.

Duration of Surgery

Brain tumor surgery typically lasts between 4 and 8 hours.

Complex cases may take longer.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı prioritizes safety over speed.

Postoperative Care

• After surgery, patients are monitored in intensive care for 1 to 2 days.
• Brain function, breathing, and heart activity are carefully observed.
• Patients are later transferred to a regular hospital room.
• Physical therapy or speech therapy may be recommended.

Discharge and Recovery

Patients are usually discharged within 5 to 7 days.

Full recovery may take weeks or months.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı provides individualized recovery plans.

Modern Technologies Used in Brain Tumor Surgery

Modern neurosurgery uses advanced technologies.

• Microsurgical techniques
• Neuronavigation
• Neuromonitoring
• Intraoperative MRI

These technologies improve safety and surgical success.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı is among the surgeons actively using these innovations.

Risks of Brain Tumor Surgery

As with any surgery, there are risks.

Possible risks include

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Temporary weakness
• Speech or memory problems

These risks are minimized with experienced surgeons.

Follow-Up After Surgery

• Regular MRI scans are performed.
• Follow-up schedules are personalized.
• This helps detect recurrence early.

Awake Brain Surgery

• In some cases, awake brain surgery is used.
• The patient remains conscious during part of the procedure.
• This protects important brain functions.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı is experienced in this advanced technique.

Life After Brain Tumor Surgery

Many patients return to normal life.

Healthy lifestyle habits and regular follow-ups are important.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı recommends

Balanced nutrition
Exercise
Stress management

Brain tumor surgery is one of the most complex procedures in neurosurgery.

Its success depends on surgical experience, advanced technology, and proper planning.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı provides safe, effective, and personalized surgical treatment using modern neurosurgical techniques.

When performed by experienced hands, brain tumor surgery is not only a treatment but also the beginning of a new life.