Brain Tumour Surgery in Sharjah

What is brain tumour surgery?

Brain tumour surgery covers two related operations. A resection removes as much of the growth as can be taken safely, which relieves pressure on the surrounding brain and often eases headaches, weakness or seizures. A biopsy removes a small piece of tissue so that a pathologist can name the tumour precisely. Both lead to the same next step: the tissue goes to the laboratory, and the result shapes every decision that follows.

Most brain operations begin with a craniotomy, in which the surgeon lifts a small window of skull bone, works through the opening under magnification, and then fixes the bone back in place at the end. The window heals like any other bone.

At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, the operation is carried out by the neurosurgeon in the Neurosurgery department, supported by anaesthesia and intensive care teams.

Who needs it

Surgery is considered when a scan shows a growth that is pressing on the brain, causing symptoms, growing between scans, or needing a tissue diagnosis before treatment can be chosen. The early steps, from first symptoms to the MRI that finds the growth, are described on our brain tumour assessment page.

The alternatives depend on what the scan shows. A small, stable growth, such as many meningiomas found by chance, is often watched with repeat MRI at planned intervals. Some tumours respond well to radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and a few are best treated with focused radiation; these treatments are arranged by referral to a specialist oncology or radiosurgery centre. Where a growth sits deep in the brain or close to areas controlling speech or movement, a biopsy may give the answers needed with a smaller operation.

The decision is made with you and your family at a consultation where the neurosurgeon goes through your MRI images, explains the likely tumour type, and compares surgery, observation and referral for other treatment. Bring the actual images as well as the report; if you were offered surgery abroad and want a view in the UAE, bring those scans too.

What happens

Planning starts with MRI, usually with contrast, to map the tumour and the brain around it. Blood tests, and sometimes a CT scan, complete the picture. Where seizures have happened, medicine to control them is started or continued before the operation, and steroid medicine to reduce swelling around the tumour is often given in the days beforehand.

The operation takes place under general anaesthetic. The hair is trimmed only along the planned incision line, which surprises many patients who expect a fully shaved head. The surgeon opens the skull window, removes or samples the tumour, and closes the layers carefully. Every piece of tissue removed is sent to the laboratory, and the full report can take several days because special stains and tests are often needed.

Where specialised equipment such as surgical navigation or nerve monitoring would help a particular tumour, the neurosurgeon discusses referral to a centre that provides it.

Preparing for it

• Bring all previous scans and reports, in any language
• List every medicine, including blood thinners, diabetes medicines and supplements
• Keep taking seizure medicine exactly as prescribed, including on the day of surgery unless told otherwise
• Arrange for a family member to stay close by for the first days, and to drive you home
• Ask your employer about leave early; desk work and physically demanding jobs have different return timelines, and the surgeon plans yours individually

If surgery falls during Ramadan, discuss fasting with the team in advance, as seizure and steroid medicines need regular timing.

Afterwards

Most patients spend the first night or longer in intensive care, where nurses check alertness, pupils, speech and limb strength frequently. The neurological critical care page describes what that stay involves. A scan after surgery shows how much of the tumour was removed.

Once the pathology report is ready, the neurosurgeon explains the result and the plan: follow-up scans alone, or referral to oncology for radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Steroid doses are usually reduced gradually, and seizure medicine continues for a period decided by your doctor. Where speech, strength or balance are affected, rehabilitation is arranged by referral.

Keep the wound clean and dry until it is checked, drink plenty of water in the UAE heat, and follow UAE licensing guidance before driving, especially after any seizure.

Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department at once for a sudden severe headache, a new seizure, increasing drowsiness, or new confusion after surgery. Contact the hospital on 06 599 7777 if the wound becomes red, swollen or starts to leak, or if you develop a fever.

Cost and insurance

Brain tumour surgery requires insurance pre-approval, and the MRI used for planning usually needs its own approval. Intensive care, pathology tests and later oncology treatment are often approved as separate steps, so starting each request early keeps treatment on schedule. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm your cover on 06 599 7777.