What Causes Swelling At The Incision Site Post Brain Surgery?

Posted on Mon, 12 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 Answered on

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband had 2 brain surgeries due to a fall while on Coumadin. Now there is swelling in the area of the surgeries. He is in hospice at the time. Should wee try to havr more surgery?
He has many aneurysm operation,5 bypasses and a TAVR inAugust, 2016

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do not see any benefit from surgery.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

From what I understand the imaging has shown only swelling and no active bleeding. In that situation I would not recommend surgery. It can not do much for the swelling it would have no benefit.

The best remedy for swelling is time, it will subside eventually. Anti swelling medication like Mannitol or steroids may in some cases help for a short amount of time when there is increased intracranial pressure, but only for a few days not for a long time. Otherwise there are no other interventions, only supportive treatment I am afraid.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar