Service in

Lesionectomy

A lesionectomy is a common surgical procedure to remove a lesion, or abnormality, in the brain. Lesions may include congenital malformations, tumors, brain injuries, stroke or other conditions that cause epilepsy and seizure disorders.

MINCEP Epilepsy Care program has been designated a Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Care Center in recognition of providing the highest level of complex evaluation, monitoring, and treatment.

Overview

If you have disabling seizures that cannot be reliably controlled using anti-seizure medications, surgery may be an option for regaining your quality of life. Although the prospect of brain surgery can be frightening, surgery is safe and effective for many people – and in some people, it can be considered a cure.

Our approach

Your M Health Fairview MINCEP® Epilepsy Care team includes epileptologists, specially trained neurologists who focus on epilepsy and other seizure disorders, plus psychologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse clinicians, pharmacists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons who are recognized nationally for their clinical research and innovative care. MINCEP Epilepsy Care program has been designated a Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Care Center in recognition of providing the highest level of complex evaluation, monitoring, and treatment.

Lesionectomy surgery takes several hours. You will be given general anesthesia, and the neurosurgeon will make an incision in your head. Using a high-speed drill, the surgeon will remove a section of bone from the skull and cut through the brain covering to reach the lesion and remove it. Some tissue surrounding the lesion may also be removed (corticectomy). The brain covering will be sewn back together, the bone will be put back in place, and the muscle and tissues sewn shut. You will likely be in the ICU under close monitoring overnight after the surgery. Generally, you will remain in the hospital for two to three days and then continue recovering at home.

Most people resume normal physical activity in six to eight weeks. Recovery time depends on several factors, your neurosurgeon may be able to give you a more precise estimate.