Trepan

Trepanation or trepanning is a surgical intervention where a hole is drilled or scraped into the human skull, exposing the dura mater to treat health problems related to intracranial diseases or release pressured blood buildup from an injury. It has been used since prehistoric times and can still be found in modern neurosurgery.

History

The practice of trepanation has been recorded in numerous ancient cultures around the world including the ancient Greeks, Romans, and pre-Columbian civilizations. The oldest trepanned skull, found at a Neolithic burial site is dated to around 7,000 BC.

Procedure

The procedure of trepanation involves the use of a trepan, a surgical instrument with a handle and a cylindrical blade. The blade is used to remove a disc of bone from the skull, which can help to relieve pressure or give access to the brain underneath.

Modern Use

In modern medicine, trepanation is used in several procedures such as to relieve pressure beneath a surface. It is also used in brain surgery to remove brain tumors and to help relieve intracranial pressure.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, trepanation carries risks and potential complications. These can include infection, bleeding, and damage to the brain or other structures beneath the skull.

See Also

• Craniotomy
• Neurosurgery
• History of surgery