12/11/2025
Not All Brain Surgery Is the Same: Understanding Different Techniques
Brain surgery isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Different conditions require different techniques - chosen based on the tumour’s size, location, and the safest route for the patient.
Here are the main types:
- Craniotomy: The traditional method - a 3–5 cm skull opening to reach the brain.
- Minimally invasive surgery: Smaller openings (1–3 cm) for faster recovery and less tissue damage.
- Endoscopic surgery: Done through a tiny skull opening or even through the nose, often leaving no visible scar.
- Transnasal surgery: Removes tumours through natural pathways in the nose, usually alongside an ENT surgeon.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Used for Parkinson’s, with instruments inserted through a small 10-cent coin–sized opening.
Each technique is carefully selected to ensure safety, precision, and the best possible recovery.
I’m Dr Azman Raffiq, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I specialise in brain and spine disorders using modern, minimally invasive techniques. Available for consultations at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.
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For more help visit: https://www.drazmanraffiq.com/