What happens during a craniotomy for a subdural hematoma?

A craniotomy is a surgery to cut an opening in the skull and expose the brain. Here's what to expect:

• A neurosurgeon makes an incision through the skin and cuts out a small section of your skull, called a bone flap. The bone flap is removed to expose the brain underneath.
• The hematoma (a buildup of blood underneath the outer layer of the brain, from small veins that have been torn) is drained or removed.
• The bone flap is secured back in place, and the incision is closed back up with either sutures (stitches) or staples.
• You are closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU).

The incision site on the head must be kept dry until the staples or sutures are removed. This is usually 7 to 10 days after surgery.