Craniectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the partial or complete removal of the skull. This procedure is done to relieve pressure on the brain due to conditions such as traumatic brain injury, swelling, or tumors. There are several synonyms for the word craniectomy including skull removal, trepanation, decompressive craniectomy, and calvarial resection. These terms are used interchangeably in medical literature and can be confusing to patients who are unfamiliar with medical terminology. Regardless of the term used, craniectomy remains an important surgical procedure that can help improve the quality of life for patients suffering from brain-related conditions.