In This Chapter
Proper Tools For A Real Headcase
Having Fun With Cancerous Neuronal Tissue Removal
Where To Go From Here (Other Than The Bathroom!)

It is finally time to get started with your first human neurosurgery procedure! Pat yourself on the back, because you have gone through a lot of preparation to get to this point. For those of you who might be jumping ahead to this chapter (shame on you!), let’s quickly summarize what we have discussed so far: In Chapter 1 we learned all about the medical profession, including how to dress and talk like a real doctor. In Chapter 2 we took a tour of the human brain, where we learned about the two lobes, and how different regions of the brain are responsible for different behaviors (and how I’m missing the region that understands how to prepare my taxes!). We then moved on in Chapter 3 to learn the names of the common surgical tools that we will encounter as neurosurgeons. In Chapter 4 we took a humorous detour to examine the crazy beards of famous doctors from times past. Then in Chapters 5-6 we practiced our first surgical techniques on cantaloupes and household pets. (Sorry Fido – I guess we could have used a little MORE practice!) Now we are finally ready to do our first neurosurgery operation on an actual person. I hope you are as excited as I am, so get your malpractice lawyer ready (just joking!), and let’s start cracking some skulls!
 

This procedure, like any complex surgery, can get pretty difficult. Since your patient’s life is in your hands, you want to be sure that you are fairly familiar with this material before getting started. It is suggested that you read through this chapter at least twice.