Learn what common procedure names mean and what to ask before making a decision. The appropriate approach, hospital arrangements and availability must be confirmed for your case.
A craniotomy creates an opening in the skull to reach a tumour. A biopsy takes a sample for laboratory diagnosis; a resection removes tumour tissue. The proposed extent of surgery depends on the tumour and nearby brain structures.
Ask at your consultation “Is the aim to obtain a diagnosis, relieve pressure, remove tumour tissue, or a combination?”
Patient guidance: UCLH · Craniotomy and biopsy patient guidance .
For selected pituitary tumours, an endoscope allows access through the nose and the sinus behind it. The plan may address pressure on the visual pathways or excess hormone production. Hormone and vision assessments can be part of care.
Ask at your consultation “What checks will I need before surgery, and who will oversee hormone follow-up?”
Patient guidance: UCLH · Endoscopic pituitary surgery .
Clipping places a small clip across an aneurysm’s neck through an opening in the skull. Endovascular treatment uses a catheter passed through blood vessels; options include coils or a flow-diverting device. Neither approach is suitable for every aneurysm.
Ask at your consultation “Why does this option fit my aneurysm, and what follow-up imaging or medicines would it involve?”
Patient guidance: AANS · Cerebral aneurysm .
Decompression makes more room for compressed nerves. Depending on the cause, this may involve removing part of a disc or small amounts of bone. Non-surgical options may be appropriate first; the indication depends on the clinical problem.
Ask at your consultation “Which symptoms is surgery intended to improve, and which may persist?”
Patient guidance: NHS · Lumbar decompression: recovery and risks .
Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae so they heal together. Screws, rods or other implants may support the bones during healing. The decision to add stabilisation is separate from the decision to relieve pressure on a nerve.
Ask at your consultation “Why is fusion being considered, and how would it affect movement and recovery?”
Patient guidance: Mayo Clinic · Spinal fusion .
A shunt diverts excess cerebrospinal fluid to another part of the body. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) creates an internal route for fluid to bypass a blockage in suitable cases. Both need follow-up, and symptoms can return if the treatment stops working.
Ask at your consultation “What warning signs should I watch for, and how will the treatment be monitored?”
Patient guidance: NHS · Hydrocephalus treatment .
Stroke treatment depends on the type of stroke and urgent hospital assessment. Selected patients may need removal of a blood clot (thrombectomy), drainage of fluid or a procedure to relieve pressure. These are hospital treatments, with suitability decided by the emergency team.
Discuss with the treating team If you are reviewing previous stroke treatment, ask which procedure was performed and what follow-up is needed. For new stroke symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.
Patient guidance: NHS · Stroke treatment .
Emergency warning signs →Medicines are usually considered first for trigeminal neuralgia. If pain control is inadequate or side effects are troublesome, a specialist may discuss procedures. Microvascular decompression aims to relieve pressure from a blood vessel touching the trigeminal nerve; it requires an operation through the skull.
Discuss with the treating team Why is this procedure being considered instead of medicines or another intervention, and what are my individual risks?
Patient guidance: NHS · Trigeminal neuralgia treatment .
A collection of blood after a head injury may need urgent specialist treatment. Depending on the findings, an operation can remove the collection through an opening in the skull or small burr holes. Some smaller collections may be monitored; the decision depends on the scan and clinical assessment.
Discuss with the treating team For a planned review after hospital treatment, bring the discharge summary, operation details and scans. New or worsening symptoms after a head injury need urgent assessment.
Patient guidance: NHS · Subdural haematoma .
Emergency warning signs →A procedure name is only one part of the decision. Ask how the recommendation applies to your health and priorities.
What is the realistic aim? What are the alternatives, including monitoring where appropriate? What could happen if treatment is deferred?
Which risks matter most in my case? What support might I need at home, and when can work, driving and travel be discussed?
Which hospital and team would be involved? What is included in the cost estimate, and how are results and follow-up appointments arranged?
Patient guidance: NHS · Informed treatment decisions .
Outcomes and recovery vary. Ask for the expected benefits, limitations and significant risks of the specific procedure proposed to you.
Sources checked 21 October 2026. These independent references support the general explanations; they do not endorse this practice.
General patient information; clinical review by Dr. Agarwal is pending. Your diagnosis, treatment and recovery plan require individual assessment. Follow your treating team’s instructions.