A surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the skull (bone flap) to access the brain for treatment of conditions like tumors, aneurysms, or traumatic injuries. The bone flap is typically replaced at the end of the procedure.
From Greek 'kranion' (skull) and 'tome' (a cutting), literally meaning 'skull cutting.' Trepanation, a primitive form of craniotomy, is one of the oldest surgical procedures known, with evidence dating back 6,500 years.
Try Another Word