How is it performed?

• Brain tumour surgery is often coupled with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Before the surgery, patients are given drugs to reduce the swelling and anticonvulsant medicine to stop seizures. 
• A shunt will be placed in the ventricle of the brain to drain out the cerebrospinal fluid. This will usually drain out either into the abdomen or the heart.
• The operation, also known as a craniotomy, begins by making an opening in the skull. The neurosurgeon will then attempt to take the complete tumour out with utmost care to not disturb the brain tissue. 
• Some cases end up with the partial removal of the tumour to reduce the pressure it causes on the brain and leave just enough to be treated with chemotherapy or radiation.
• In case a biopsy is being done, a special head frame needle with a halo will be used. Neurosurgeons guide the needle with the help of the MRI or CT scans to locate the exact position of the tumour.