What is a craniotomy used for?

• A. Repairing fractured bones
• B. Accessing the heart
• C. Accessing the brain by removing part of the skull
• D. Performing a cosmetic procedure

Answer: (C)

A craniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an opening in the skull to access the brain. This technique is commonly used in various neurosurgical operations, including the removal of brain tumors, alleviating pressure from swelling or bleeding, and treating brain injuries. By temporarily removing a section of the skull, surgeons can directly visualize and intervene in areas of the brain that require treatment.

The procedure is critical in situations where the condition of the brain cannot be adequately addressed through non-invasive means. This directly aligns with the stated purpose of craniotomy, making it a specialized and essential technique in the field of neurosurgery.

Other options do not correctly represent the primary use of a craniotomy: repairing fractured bones pertains to orthopedic surgery; accessing the heart is typically associated with cardiac surgery; and performing a cosmetic procedure is related to plastic surgery rather than neurological intervention.