For recovery after surgery to resect a brain tumor, even a benign one, it is necessary to follow a strict protocol. The specialists in neurosurgery from Instituto Clavel explain here what that protocol involves.
As we have explained in another article on our blog, there are tumors that require surgical removal, despite showing benign characteristics in radiological examinations. For these benign brain tumors, the surgical preparation is especially critical when those lesions are located in eloquent areas of the brain such as those related to language or the motor cortex, where severe neurological deficits can occur.
It is important to note that, even if a tumor appears benign at the time of diagnosis, it can change over time and become malignant. In addition, there is the possibility that intracranial mass effect and its infiltration in the underlying brain tissue can result in symptoms that impair the patient's quality of life. Surgical removal of these lesions helps control the patient's symptoms, notably improving quality of life and contributing to a longer life expectancy.
When a patient is diagnosed with a brain lesion, it is normal for them to wonder what recovery will be like, and how long it will be until they can carry out a normal life. The answer, of course, depends on several factors such as the overall health of the patient prior to surgery, the symptoms caused by the tumor, and the type of surgery performed. However, at Instituto Clavel we follow a rigorous protocol after tumor resection to favor patient safety, as you will see in the steps described below.
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Once the surgery has been performed, the patient is transferred to the ICU, to remain under observation for at least 24 hours. This step is taken with all patients, even if they are conscious when they leave the operating room, as it is the best way to monitor vital signs, the level of consciousness and the general neurological state of the patient during the postoperative period.
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After this observation period, the patient is moved to the ward. Once there, the patient will begin first steps of mobilization. The process of mobilization will depend, as we said, on the previous neurological state of the patient and the type of surgery. After the operation, the patient may be perfectly autonomous, or may need to work with a physiotherapist to overcome a loss of strength or stability when walking.
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The length of the patient’s stay in the hospital will generally be between 4-5 days. If everything progresses favorably, this will be enough time for the patient to be able to return home safely.
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When the patient is discharged, we recommend that they undergo a personalized rehabilitation program. Even in those cases in which motor skills are fully preserved, rehabilitation is recommended to regain muscle mass that may have been lost during hospitalization.
At Instituto Clavel, we work hand-in-hand with the physiotherapists and osteopaths at FisioSpine, who know the patient's pathology and the operation they have undergone, so that the rehabilitation is specifically focused on the patient’s needs.
If you need more information about the treatments we offer for pathologies of the brain, we encourage you to visit this section of our website where you will find more details about tumor resection, as well as other procedures such as brain biopsy or microvascular decompression.
In any case, if your concern requires personal attention, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We will be happy to help.
Categories: Brain treatments, Brain pathologies, Instituto Clavel