What Does the Term Craniotomy Refer To

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 does the term craniotomy mean?

Listen to pronunciation. (KRAY-nee-AH-toh-mee) An operation in which a piece of the skull is removed. A craniotomy may be done so doctors can remove a brain tumor or abnormal brain tissue.

What is the root of the word craniotomy?

craniotomy (n.) a cutting open of the skull (especially of a fetal head when it obstructs delivery), 1817, from cranio- “of the skull” + -tomy “a cutting.”