Many times, we take for granted the opportunities that are presented to us. Left and right, one after another. Are these opportunities a result of fate? Is serendipity at play?
Yesterday, I took advantage of one of these fortuitous moments. I was invited to observe a craniotomy (surgical opening into the skull) for a removal of a meningioma (tumor). According to the ABTA (American Brain Tumor Association), a meningioma arises from the meninges, which are three thin layers of protective tissue covering the brain and spinal cord known as the Dura Mater, Arachnoid, and Pia Mater. (ABTA, 2017)
Working on a Neuro/Spine floor, I often take care of these types of cases pre/post-operatively, but have never been able to see what these patients go through during surgery. This four hour procedure could potentially change the patient’s life forever. Symptoms of a meningioma include visual changes, seizures, and even personality changes depending on the location of the tumor.
The neurosurgeon started by using computer-aided stereotactic technique. This technique makes use of a computer system that incorporates CT and MRI scans of the brain to aid in intracranial navigation. This technique allows for smaller openings, less opportunity for brain damage, and decreased mortality. As he peeled back the scalp and scraped away the pericranium, my heart began to race. I was so excited for this experience. Textbooks could never compare. Once the skull was exposed and clean, he cut out the bone flap. To be inches away from an open skull was more than breathtaking.
Next, he peeled back the dura and started to remove the tumor using an ultrasonic surgical aspirator, where fragmentation, suction, and irrigation occur simultaneously. This allowed the surgeon to have precision while evacuating the tumor. Once the tumor was resected and the dura was sewn back in place, the bone flap would then be returned to its original place and secured via metal plates. We were about three and a half hours into the surgery and all that was left was to suture and staple the scalp back in place. I could not believe I just saw a person’s head disassembled and put back together with such precision and ease.
Watching this surgery has been life changing, not only for the patient, but for me as a medical professional. It has provided me with a deeper understanding of the anatomy of the brain and the intricate work that neurosurgeons do day in and day out.
According to Webster’s Dictionary (2017), Opportunity is: a favorable juncture of circumstances. I am humbled by the circumstances that have allowed for this experience. Whether a person believes in serendipity, that the stars align, or these chance encounters are the result of a plan from a higher power, we must all take hold of these occasions.
I am now, more than ever…..MEDspired.
Written by: Nick Greathouse, RN-CFO/Treasurer ©07/07/2017 All Rights Reserved.
This information was obtained from:
http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/types-of-tumors/meningioma.html? referrer=https://www.google.com/https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-73294-2_10
Nick,
Thank you for sharing your experience. Your well-written article has allowed me as the reader to feel like I too was in the operating room witnessing this patient’s craniotomy.
You’re a true inspiration to the nursing profession! I look forward to sharing your success with my current students. Keep up the great work!!!
Prof. D