Definition of "hemicraniectomy" [hemicraniectomy]

• The surgical removal of half of the cranium to enable brain surgery; hemicraniotomy. (noun)

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• "Dr. Fessler, the Northwestern neurosurgeon, on Sunday night performed a "hemicraniectomy," in which a 4-inch-by-8-inch portion of Sen. Kirk's skull was removed so the brain had room to swell without further injuring itself."