What to expect from brain tumour surgery for glioma

A glioma may be an astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma or another tumour type. Scans and neurological testing show where it sits in relation to speech, movement, sensation, memory and vision. Depending on access and safety, the operation may remove visible tumour or obtain a biopsy for diagnosis.

The laboratory report identifies the tumour type and grade and may guide further treatment. After surgery, staff check your neurological function, pain, nausea, wound and ability to move safely. Fatigue, headache, slowed thinking or temporary weakness can happen during early recovery.

Tell your team about medicines, seizures, allergies and previous anaesthetic problems. Plan help with meals, transport, washing and household tasks. Take prescribed medicines on schedule, keep the incision as instructed, rest between activities and build up walking gradually.

Do not drive or return to demanding work until the team has reviewed your recovery. Follow-up scans and pathology discussions help decide whether observation, radiotherapy, medicines, rehabilitation or another step is appropriate for your glioma.

Report fever, worsening headache, repeated vomiting, wound swelling or fluid, new weakness, speech or vision changes, confusion or a seizure promptly. Call emergency services for collapse, severe breathing difficulty or a sudden, severe neurological change.

Ask whether the planned procedure is biopsy or removal, which brain functions are near the tumour, when pathology will be discussed, and what restrictions or rehabilitation you should expect at home.