A Feasibility Study of Lavender Aromatherapy in an Awake Craniotomy Environment
Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews
Advanced Neurosurgery
Conscious Brain Surgery
Real-time neurological monitoring during tumor removal to preserve the functions that define who you are.
Awake CraniotomyReal-Time MonitoringFunction PreservationPersonalized Mapping
Overview
Preserving What Matters Most
Conscious brain surgery is the next evolution of an awake craniotomy. It is an advanced neurosurgical technique in which the patient remains awake and unsedated throughout the procedure. This allows the surgical team to map and monitor critical brain functions, including speech, motor control, and cognition, in real time, enabling the maximum safe removal of tumors located near vital brain areas.
Dr. Kassam and his team have published on the surgical management of tumors in challenging locations, including third ventricular tumors approached through conscious technique, demonstrating the feasibility and safety of this approach for complex pathology.
Technique
How It Works
The patient is conscious and comfortable throughout the procedure, receiving local anesthesia for the opening and closing of the skull. A specialized team works alongside the surgeon, continuously testing the patient's responses. If the surgical instruments approach a critical area, the team detects changes immediately, allowing the surgeon to adjust the approach and preserve function.
Patient Benefits
What This Means for You
Your Abilities Are Protected in Real Time
Because you are conscious throughout the procedure, the surgical team can continuously test your speech, movement, and cognition, stopping immediately if a critical area is approached.
More Complete Tumor Removal
Conscious surgery allows surgeons to remove more of the tumor safely. Studies show conscious craniotomy enables more extensive resection with fewer neurological deficits compared to surgery under general anesthesia.
Shorter Hospital Stay
Patients who undergo awake craniotomy often have shorter hospital stays compared to those under general anesthesia.
Preserving What Defines You
Speech, language, memory, movement: the functions that make you who you are can be actively monitored and protected throughout the procedure.
Indications
Conditions Treated
- Brain tumors near speech centers (Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas)
- Tumors near motor cortex
- Gliomas in eloquent brain regions
- Recurrent brain tumors requiring re-operation
- Lesions near critical white matter pathways
Patient Experience
Integrative Approach
Dr. Kassam's team has explored integrative medicine approaches during conscious craniotomies, including lavender aromatherapy to reduce patient anxiety, demonstrating a commitment to the complete patient experience, not just the surgical outcome.
Related Innovations
Explore Related Innovations
Published Research
Related Publications
Is This Procedure Right for You?
Every patient's condition is unique. Dr. Kassam and his multidisciplinary team evaluate each case individually to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with your physician.