craniotomy

American  

[krey-nee-ot-uh-mee] / ˌkreɪ niˈɒt ə mi /

noun

Surgery.

plural

craniotomies

1. the operation of opening the skull, usually for operations on the brain.

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craniotomy British  

/ ˌkreɪnɪˈɒtəmɪ /

noun

1. any surgical incision into the skull, esp to expose the brain for neurosurgery

2. the surgical crushing of a fetal skull to extract a dead fetus

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craniotomy Scientific  

/ krā′nē-ŏt′ə-mē /

1. Surgical incision into the skull.

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Etymology

Origin of craniotomy

First recorded in 1850–55; cranio- + -tomy

Example Sentences

She said he had several brain bleeds and swelling of the brain that eventually led to a craniotomy, a procedure that removes part of the skull to relieve pressure on the brain.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2024

Doreen Adams, 75, from Aberdeen, previously had a craniotomy to remove a tumour.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2024

This technique requires arrays that cover relatively large areas, necessitating removal of at least an equal area of skull in a procedure known as a craniotomy.

From Scientific American • Sep. 1, 2023

Learning how to open up a craniotomy, learning how to put diapers on your newborn kids and be a better attentive husband, all these were tasks that I wanted to accomplish.

From New York Times • Oct. 11, 2022

The brutal epoch of craniotomy has certainly passed.

From Moral Principles and Medical Practice The Basis of Medical Jurisprudence by Coppens, Charles