What does the term 'craniotomy' refer to in surgical terminology?

The term 'craniotomy' specifically refers to a surgical procedure where an opening is made into the cranial cavity. This procedure is carried out for a variety of reasons, such as to access the brain for treatment of conditions like tumors, bleeding, or traumatic brain injuries. During a craniotomy, a portion of the skull is carefully removed and later replaced, allowing surgeons to reach and operate on the brain or related structures.

The other options, while related to cranial procedures, do not accurately define a craniotomy. Repair of cranial bones might involve different surgical techniques that focus on fixing fractures or defects in the skull rather than creating an opening. The removal of brain tissue is a distinct procedure known as a lobectomy or resection, depending on the extent of the tissue removed. Surgical removal of a skull cap refers to a type of craniotomy but is not the complete definition, as it does not encompass the full scope of the procedure which includes accessing the cranial cavity itself.