What Is Brain Tumor Surgery?
Brain tumor surgery is a neurosurgical procedure that removes all or part of a brain tumor while protecting healthy tissue and essential neurological functions such as speech, movement, and memory. At Midwest Spine & Brain Institute, our MN and WI neurosurgeons specialize in treating adult and pediatric brain tumors using precise, image-guided surgical techniques.
Why Brain Tumor Surgery Is Performed
Brain tumor surgery is recommended when a tumor causes symptoms, compresses the brain, grows on imaging, or requires diagnosis through biopsy. Surgery often provides the most immediate relief from pressure, swelling, and neurological symptoms.
Primary goals include:
- Removing as much tumor as safely possible
- Protecting nearby critical brain structures
- Obtaining tissue for diagnosis and grading
- Reducing symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or weakness
- Creating a treatment pathway for radiation or targeted therapy
In select cases where tumors involve critical blood vessels, advanced cerebrovascular procedures may be required as part of surgical planning.
How Brain Tumor Surgery Works
Step 1 – Craniotomy Access
A craniotomy is performed by temporarily removing a small section of skull (bone flap). This allows the neurosurgeon to directly access the tumor. Advanced neuronavigation, MRI/CT imaging, brain mapping, and microscopes help guide safe removal.
Step 2 – Tumor Removal
The surgeon removes the tumor completely when possible or removes the tumor in sections to protect healthy tissue.
Techniques may include:
- Microsurgical resection
- Laser-assisted removal
- Image-guided navigation
- Endoscopic assistance (case-dependent)
Tumors located near critical nerves or blood vessels, such as skull base tumors, often require highly specialized surgical approaches.
Step 3 – Biopsy for Diagnosis
A small tumor sample may be sent to a neuropathologist to determine tumor type, grade, and aggressiveness. This information guides post-surgical treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation.
Step 4 – Protecting Speech, Motor, and Functional Areas
When tumors lie near language or motor pathways, an awake craniotomy may be used.
The patient is asleep during the incision, then awakened during tumor removal so the surgeon can test speech or movement in real time to avoid injuring critical areas.
Step 5 – Closure
After tumor removal, the bone flap is secured back in place and the incision is closed. Most patients return home within a few days, depending on tumor type and complexity.
Many tumors require complex brain surgery techniques that combine advanced imaging, microsurgical precision, and multidisciplinary planning.
Symptoms That May Lead to Brain Tumor Surgery
Brain tumors may cause symptoms such as:
- Persistent headaches
- Seizures
- Weakness or coordination loss
- Speech difficulty
- Vision changes
- Personality or cognitive changes
If you experience any of these symptoms, our team provides advanced Diagnostics & Imaging including MRI, CT, and functional mapping. In children, similar symptoms may be associated with pediatric brain and central nervous system cancers, which require specialized neurosurgical evaluation.
Recovery and Expected Outcomes
Recovery depends on tumor type, location, and the individual’s health. Many patients see improvement in symptoms caused by pressure or swelling within days. Long-term treatment plans may include rehabilitation, medication, and follow-up imaging to monitor healing.
Our MN & WI neurosurgical team provides personalized follow-up care with a focus on safety, function, and quality of life.
Related Conditions & Services
- Spine Conditions
- Brain Disorders
- Neurosurgical Treatments
- Pain Management Services
- Diagnostics & Imaging
Explore our full conditions and treatments library to learn more about brain, spine, and neurological disorders treated at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is brain tumor surgery safe?
Brain tumor surgery is considered safe when performed by an experienced neurosurgical team using modern imaging, mapping, and monitoring techniques. Risks vary based on tumor location and size.
Do all brain tumors require surgery?
No. Some tumors are monitored over time, while others are treated with radiation, medication, or minimally invasive biopsy depending on type and symptoms.
How long is recovery after brain tumor surgery?
Most patients spend 2–5 days in the hospital and continue healing over several weeks. Your surgeon will provide a personalized recovery plan.
What is an awake craniotomy?
An awake craniotomy allows the surgeon to test speech or movement during tumor removal to protect critical brain areas.
Will I need additional treatment after surgery?
Some tumors require radiation or medication depending on type, grade, and pathology results. Your care team will review options after surgery.