Surgery for brain tumours

Surgery is a common treatment for brain and spinal cord tumours. Surgeons remove all or part of your tumour.  Or you might have surgery to drain a build up of fluid (hydrocephalus) on your brain.

Biopsy for brain tumours

You might have a biopsy on its own or at the same time as surgery to treat the brain tumour. 

Surgery for brain tumours

Surgeons remove all or part of your tumour. There are different ways of doing this. 

Surgery to remove fluid in the brain

You might have surgery to drain a build up of fluid on your brain (hydrocephalus).

Before your brain tumour surgery

You have an appointment at the pre assessment clinic 1 or 2 weeks before your operation. You have tests to check your fitness and you meet members of your treatment team. 

On the day of your brain tumour surgery

You usually go into hospital the day before, or on the day of your surgery.

After brain tumour surgery

You will have a few tubes in place when you wake up. You will might be in the high dependency unit or intensive care unit. 

Problems after brain tumour surgery

It can take some time to recover from your brain tumour surgery. There are some immediate and long term problems. Help and support is available.

Last reviewed: 
30 Mar 2023
Next review due: 
30 Mar 2026