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

During a tearful interview last month, she said the craniotomy - which involved part of her skull being removed to take out the tumour - was "the hardest thing" she had been through.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2025

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

George Halvorson, the retired chief executive of Kaiser Permanente, says he recently had a surgical procedure on his skull, a craniotomy, at the renowned Mayo Clinic.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2023

But in this case, the craniotomy and resection, or tissue removal, was the best option, Grannan said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 27, 2023

The subdivisions  under which the common law takes consideration of craniotomy are answers in themselves to the conclusions quoted above, under the unfortunate necessity which demands the operation.”

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