The aim of surgery is to remove as much of the tumour as possible..

While this can be possible in the case of benign tumours it is rarely possible in the case of mailgnant tumours as these invade the surrounding tissue and can't be removed without causing serious damage to the brain itself leaving the patient with some deficit.

In these cases the sugeon will remove as much tumour as is judged safe to do so. A piece of the tumour is then sent for more tests to find out what sort of tumour it is and the type of treatment to be given.

Sometimes other surgical procedures may need to carried out such as the insertion of a shunt. This is a small device which drains fluid either from the brain or from a cyst.

Following surgery, the patient will be transfered to the Intensive Care Unit where they an be monitored closely for at least the first 24 hours. The ICU bed is surrounded by very 'high tec' machinery and is very daunting when it is seen for the first time. You can ask to see the ICU before the operation to take away some of the worry and to have the routine explained to you.

Some questions you may like to ask about surgery

• how much hair will have to shaved?
• where will the incision be?
• how much of the tumour has been removed?
• why do I need to go into intensive care?
• can I have visitors?
• what happens next?

It is always a good idea to write questions down when you think and take them to your next appointment with the consultant. It may be hard to digest all the information, it may help to take your partner or friend with you

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