In case of a stroke, the patients need immediate medical attention to prevent brain damage or even death. Depending on the type of stroke you had, whether an ischemic or a hemorrhagic stroke, the type of surgical intervention can vary. There are different surgical methods that could be used by the neurosurgeon to treat the stroke.
Let’s learn about surgery for stroke.
Different Types Of Surgeries For Stroke
There are different types of surgeries available for stroke. For an ischemic stroke, surgery focuses on removing the blood clots whereas for a hemorrhagic stroke a craniotomy can be performed to repair the burst blood vessels. Some of the different surgeries for stroke are
1. Carotid Endarterectomy
When a blockage in the carotid artery of the neck is the cause of a stroke then a carotid endarterectomy is performed to remove the blockage. The carotid artery supplies blood to the brain. In this procedure, an incision in the neck is first made and then after identifying the carotid artery, the neurosurgeon removes the plaque to restore blood flow. This surgery can be performed under local anesthesia and the patient may have to stay overnight in the hospital. This procedure allows the blood to flow smoothly to the brain. It can be used for both the management and prevention of stroke.
2. Mechanical Embolectomy
Mechanical embolectomy is a minimally invasive surgery for stroke. This offers significant benefits to the patients as it is less invasive and can even be performed about 8-12 hours after a person begins to show signs of a stroke. However, the decision to undergo this surgery must be made as soon as possible. This is because as more time passes after a person shows signs of stroke, the effectiveness of this procedure also decreases. During this procedure, the surgeon will insert a plastic tube into your artery and guide it to the region containing the plaque which will be then removed with the help of a device present in the tube.
3. Hemicraniectomy
The sudden interruption of the blood supply to the brain during a stroke can lead to massive swelling. This leads to an increase in the intracranial pressure of the skull which can cause brain damage. However, this can be prevented with a hemicraniectomy. During the surgery, the surgeon will remove a part of the skull to relieve the pressure. The removed region will be then sutured back after the intracranial pressure has subsided. Though this procedure can help in restoration, it is considered to be risky for people who are above 60 years of age and have suffered from severe strokes.
4. Coil embolization and aneurysm clipping
Your doctor will recommend treatments such as coil embolization or an aneurysm clipping if the stroke occurred because of a balloon-like protrusion in the artery. Aneurysm clipping will restrict the aneurysm from rupturing the blood vessel or leaking blood inside the brain. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. On the other hand, in a coil embolization, the surgeon will insert a flexible tube called a catheter into the region where the aneurysm is present. The surgeon then induces a blood clot by inserting a small coil through this catheter. It will prevent the aneurysm from bursting again. This surgery for stroke is performed under general anesthesia.
5. Cerebral revascularization
This is again a surgery for resolving blocked carotid arteries. It is also known as bypass surgery. To restore the blood flow in the brain, the surgeon will reposition the path of another artery obtained from the scalp. Thus, allowing the brain to function normally.
The doctor will analyze several factors such as your age, physical condition, the type of stroke, and the severity of your stroke when deciding on the surgery that should be performed. Though the necessity of surgery will depend on your condition, it could be a life-saving approach. If you feel like you are at risk of a stroke, you should evaluate its possibility with a doctor to be well-prepared.
What Happens After Surgery For A Stroke?
Most patients who have experienced a stroke are recommended by their healthcare team to undergo rehabilitation. This is due to the fact that stroke can affect many functions such as walking. A rehabilitation program would comprise physical therapy, speech, and language therapy, and occupational therapy. This would help stroke patients regain their independence and relearn the skills that may have been affected because of stroke. Thus, receiving surgery for a stroke is often followed by rehabilitation to overcome the impact of the stroke. Many stroke patients live in regions of the world where access to rehabilitation experts is limited. This is where we come in. MediGence enables you to avail consultation with highly-skilled and experienced rehabilitation experts virtually. You may be present in any part of the world but we ensure that rehab reaches you.
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Conclusion
Performing a surgery for stroke will depend on several factors. Surgery may not always be required and sometimes your stroke can be addressed with medications. However, after surgery, rehabilitation will still be required to ensure that you are able to regain your independence.
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