Because your doctor has recommended that you undergo surgery for meningioma, you likely have questions about your upcoming procedure, the recovery period and other related concerns. By taking the time now to learn as much as you can, you will be better prepared for what’s ahead, allowing you to focus your energy on resting and recovering.
Overview of Surgery for Meningioma
There are three treatment approaches for meningioma, which may be used in isolation or combination. They include observation and monitoring (“watch and wait”), surgery and a specialized radiation therapy called stereotactic radiosurgery. Your doctor will recommend the treatment path that he or she believes is most appropriate for your individual condition, taking into consideration factors such as your tumor size, grade and location, your age, and overall health.
Surgery for meningioma is an in-patient procedure, performed in a hospital while you are under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon will perform a craniotomy, which is the removal of a small section of skull to provide access to your tumor. He or she will remove as much of the tumor as safely possible, which may be the entire thing or just a section. The surgeon will then replace the section of bone, securing it with a plate and/or screws, then close the incision site with sutures or staples.
Following your procedure, you will be monitored in the post-op room until you have been confirmed stable. You can expect to spend about three days recovering in the hospital after your surgery, followed by at-home recovery with activity and work restrictions.
Risks & Benefits
Before your doctor recommended surgery for meningioma, he or she went through a process of considering all the potential risks and benefits to determine which treatment option would be most appropriate. Your doctor has recommended a treatment plan based on these considerations, ensuring the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Though every patient is different, it is possible to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery for meningioma in a general way. First, following surgery, you can expect an alleviation of symptoms. The degree depends on your individual case and surgery outcome and your doctor can give you a better idea of what you can expect.
Another potential benefit of surgery for meningioma is, depending upon your individual tumor, your surgeon may be able to remove the entire tumor, which leads to a low recurrence rate. This should also be discussed with your doctor to give you a clear idea of what you can expect in your case.
As far as risks of surgery for meningioma, any surgical procedure does carry some overall risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- Reaction to anesthesia
There are other risks more specific to surgery for meningioma, which may increase if your tumor is in a difficult location. This includes an increased risk for neurological problems following the procedure, or a higher chance of recurrence if complete removal is not possible.
Keep in mind that your surgeon will do everything possible to minimize the risk of any complications and your doctor would not recommend a treatment where the potential risks outweighed the expected benefits.
Recovery
Though every patient’s recovery will be slightly different, you can expect to spend approximately three days in the hospital following your surgery for meningioma. During this time, you will be prescribed steroids to reduce any inflammation. You may also be given a medication to help with pain management.
Following your hospital stay, you may need to recover at home for a period of several weeks. You will be given activity restrictions, which will gradually be lifted as you heal. Most patients return to work after 6-12 weeks, but this depends on your individual condition. You will be meeting your doctor regularly for follow-up visits, where he or she will monitor your progress and make any adjustments to your restrictions.
Insurance & Costs
Understanding your insurance coverage can be tricky. Rather than trying to navigate the fine print of your policy on your own, reach out to a specialist who can help you understand the nuances of your coverage. This can help you avoid any surprise bills following your procedure, which can add stress exactly when you don’t need it.
There are two good resources you can reach out to in order to determine your coverage. The first is a benefits specialist, an insurance expert employed by some doctor’s offices to help patients understand insurance coverage. If your practice doesn’t have a benefits specialist, another great resource is a representative at your insurance agency. By providing the representative with the doctor’s contact information, your diagnosis and scheduled procedures, they will be able to help you determine your coverage beforehand.
Preparation Provides Peace of Mind
It’s fantastic that you are taking an active role in your upcoming surgery for meningioma. One of the best ways to help set your mind at ease is to educate yourself about your condition and upcoming treatment. Knowing what to expect allows you to mentally prepare yourself for not only your surgery, but your following recovery period.
If you still have further questions, carry what you’ve learned into your next appointment. Your doctor will be happy to discuss any concerns you have or to clarify how any of this information relates to your individual case.
