SURGERY OF CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS IN ZAGAZIG: POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOME

Abstract

Background and Objective: Craniosynostosis is defined as the premature closure of a cranial suture or sutures, leading to alterations in head shape. It is a common physical finding in children Craniosynostosis occurs in approximately 1:2500 live births. The aim of the study was to evaluate the postoperative outcome of surgery of craniosynostosis in Zagazig University Hospitals. Patients and Methods: A total of 18 patients with craniosynostosis were treated surgically at the plastic Surgery Unit in Zagazig University Hospital. Standard fronto-orbital advancement and forehead reshaping was performed in all cases. The postoperative surgical outcome assessment was based on clinical examination, CT measurements (supra-orbital rim projection and frontal stenosis ratio) and Whitaker et al., 1987 classification. Results: The mean operative time was 253.9 minutes and the mean postoperative hospitalization time was 12.4 days. According to Whitaker et al., classification, most cases showed excellent results (56.3%). Surgical complications were observed in 8 patients (38.9 %): In 5 patients there were dural tear, one patient had haematoma at incision line, and one patient had subcutaneous infection, and one patient had CSF leakage. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach and appropriate training of the clinical surgical staff can minimize the risks and decrease the complications in the treatment of craniosynostosis, leading to a satisfactory outcome
Keywords: craniosynostosis, front-orbital advancement and postoperative outcome