will be performing the process. >> is this a big step? >> yes, it is a big step. >> reporter: dr. kim will implant a piece of synthetic bone made especially for giffords. >> it will fit in perfect as you can see. then we take these little plates and screws, we went to put in generally one here, there and there. >> so this is holding the implant and the real skull together? >> that's right. it really is a significant step. and more than just getting the bone back, it's a marker for where we are. >> reporter: dr. kim told me patients like giffords often need another procedure, this one, to get rid of a build jum of fluid in the drain. he inserts a tube to drain excess fluid from the brain to the abdominal cavity. people wear this called a shunt forever. >> so people walk around with this tube for life? >> yeah, it can last the rest of their life. at some point, patients can