craniotomy

Definition of craniotomy

craniotomy (KRAY-nee-AH-toh-mee): An operation in which a small hole is made in the skull or a piece of bone from the skull is removed to show part of the brain. A craniotomy may be done to remove a brain tumor or a sample of brain tissue. It may also be done to remove blood or blood clots from the brain, relieve pressure in the brain after an injury or stroke, repair a skull fracture or brain aneurysm (a bulge in a blood vessel wall), or treat other brain conditions. The piece of bone that is removed from the skull is usually put back in place after the surgery has been done.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms