How long do staples stay in after craniotomy?

Usually staples or stitches are removed 10 to 14 days after your surgery, but it may be longer. Your medical team will explain this before discharge.

Is clear drainage normal after craniotomy?

This type of fluid is normal from a wound in the early stages of healing, typically in the first 48 to 72 hours after the incision is made. 2 While serous fluid is normal in small amounts, experiencing large amounts of clear fluid leaving your incision warrants a call to your surgeon.

How long does it take the skull to heal after a craniotomy?

It can take 4 to 8 weeks to recover from surgery. Your cuts (incisions) may be sore for about 5 days after surgery. Your scalp may swell with fluid.

How long does a drain stay in place after a craniotomy?

The surgeon may choose to place a drain under the skin to remove blood and fluid from the site of the surgery. The drain may stay in place for 1-2 days. The skin and muscles are then sewn together. Finally, a bandage or dressing is put over the incision.

What do you need to know about craniotomy surgery?

What is a craniotomy? A craniotomy is the surgical removal of part of the bone from the skull to expose the brain. Specialized tools are used to remove the section of bone called the bone flap. The bone flap is temporarily removed, then replaced after the brain surgery has been done.

What happens to the bone flap after a craniotomy?

After surgery, the bone flap is put back in place and held with soft wires, plates and screws. The surgeon may choose to place a drain under the skin to remove blood and fluid from the site of the surgery. The drain may stay in place for 1-2 days. The skin and muscles are then sewn together.

When to take a shower after a craniotomy?

Patient Discharge Instructions FollowingCraniotomy wounD/suture care: You will probably be discharged with our sutures/staples still in place. You may shower or bathe within 24 hours after surgery, however do not get your incision(s) wet until 4 days after surgery. We recommend that you shower with someone in the bathroom to assist you.