Moyamoya Disease Surgery: How Long Until You Can Be Discharged?

Undergoing surgery for Moyamoya disease is a significant step toward managing this rare cerebrovascular condition. Many patients and their families want to know how long they'll need to stay in the hospital after the procedure. In most cases, patients can expect to be discharged within about one week following surgery, assuming recovery progresses smoothly.

Typical Hospital Stay After Moyamoya Surgery

The surgical intervention for Moyamoya disease—often involving revascularization procedures like EDAS (encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis) or direct bypass—is generally minimally invasive from a physical trauma standpoint. However, because it requires general anesthesia and involves delicate brain tissue, close postoperative monitoring is essential.

Patients are typically kept in the hospital for 5 to 7 days after surgery. During this time, medical teams monitor vital signs, neurological function, and watch for any early signs of complications. A follow-up cranial CT scan is usually performed within the first few days post-surgery to ensure there is no intracranial bleeding or unexpected swelling.

Criteria for Safe Discharge

Discharge eligibility depends on several key factors:

• No signs of neurological deterioration (e.g., weakness, speech difficulties, or vision changes)
• Stable vital signs and pain levels under control
• Normal imaging results showing no hemorrhage or excessive edema
• Patient's ability to eat, drink, and move safely

Once these conditions are met, and the care team confirms stability, patients are cleared to continue recovery at home.

Potential Postoperative Complications

While Moyamoya surgery is considered safe when performed by experienced neurosurgeons, it's not without risks. Some patients may experience temporary or manageable complications such as:

Cerebral edema (brain swelling): This is relatively common and usually resolves with medication and time. Severe cases may require extended monitoring.

Postoperative hemorrhage: Though rare, bleeding in the brain can occur and may necessitate additional treatment or longer hospitalization.

Other possible issues include seizures, infection at the incision site, or ischemic events due to blood flow changes during revascularization.

Extended Recovery and When Discharge Is Delayed

If any complications arise, the medical team will prioritize stabilization before allowing discharge. Additional imaging, medications, or even further interventions may be needed. In such cases, hospital stays can extend beyond the typical one-week window—sometimes up to two weeks or more, depending on severity.

Patients with pre-existing health conditions or those who experience slower recovery may also require a more cautious approach before being sent home.

What to Expect After Going Home

Even after discharge, recovery continues. Most patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks and attend regular follow-up appointments. Neurological assessments and imaging studies (like MRI or MRA) are often scheduled within the first month to evaluate blood flow improvements and healing progress.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy may be recommended, especially if the patient had stroke-like symptoms prior to surgery.

In conclusion, while the average hospital stay after Moyamoya surgery is around one week, individual recovery timelines vary. The primary goal is ensuring safety and minimizing long-term risks through careful monitoring and personalized care. Always follow your neurosurgical team's guidance for the best outcome.