Intraoperative and postoperative complications in the surgical treatment of craniosynostosis: minimally invasive versus open surgical procedures

Piezosurgery in endoscopic-assisted trigonocephaly correction: a technical note

PURPOSE

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Piezosurgery® device in endoscopic-assisted correction of trigonocephaly. Trigonocephaly is a type of craniosynostosis characterized by a triangular-shaped forehead due to the premature fusion of the metopic suture. Traditional open cranial vault reconstruction, although common, is invasive and poses risks. The study explores a less invasive alternative using ultrasonic microvibrations for bone cutting, potentially reducing soft tissue damage and improving surgical outcomes.

METHODS

The Piezosurgery® device was employed in endoscopic trigonocephaly correction surgeries performed on patients under 4 months old at the French Referral Center for Craniosynostosis in Lyon. The technique involves making a small skin incision and performing osteotomies from the anterior fontanel to the glabella. A rigid 0° endoscope provides visibility, and the Piezosurgery® device enables precise bone cutting while preserving the dura mater. Post-surgery, patients were discharged within 3 days and required to wear a remodeling helmet for 6-8 months.

RESULTS

The use of Piezosurgery® device allowed precise osteotomies with minimal soft tissue damage. No dura mater injuries occurred in the patient series. The procedure was efficient, with an average duration of 80 min, and blood loss was minimal, reducing the need for blood transfusions. The endoscopic approach facilitated shorter surgical times and reduced postoperative infection risks. Enhanced visibility during surgery, due to cavitation effects, improved the accuracy of bone cuts. The technique demonstrated promising safety and esthetic outcomes, although it incurred higher costs compared to traditional methods.

CONCLUSION

Piezosurgery® device provides a safe and effective method for minimally invasive endoscopic correction of trigonocephaly. The device's ability to selectively cut bone while preserving soft tissues offers significant advantages, despite longer surgical times and higher costs. This technique represents a viable alternative to traditional open surgery, promoting better clinical outcomes and reduced recovery times.

Efficacy and safety of sagittal synostosis surgery in older (> 12 months) patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Sagittal synostosis is the most common isolated craniosynostosis. Surgical treatment of this synostosis has been extensively described in the global literature, with promising outcomes when it is performed in the first 12 months of life. However, in some cases, patients older than 12 months arrive at the craniofacial center with this synostosis. A comprehensive study on efficacy and perioperative outcomes has yet to be fully explored in this population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the available evidence of surgical outcomes for the treatment of sagittal synostosis among older patients to analyze the efficacy and safety of synostosis surgery in this unique population.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for studies published from inception to March 2024 reporting surgical outcomes of synostosis surgery in older patients (> 12 months) with isolated sagittal synostosis. The main outcome was the reoperation rate, with secondary endpoints including transfusion rates, aesthetic outcomes, and surgical complications.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled proportion of the reoperation rate was 1%. The rate of excellent aesthetic results was 95%. The need for transfusion associated with the procedures was 86%, and finally, surgical complications attained a pooled ratio of 2%, indicating minimal morbidity associated with the surgical repair.

CONCLUSION

Sagittal synostosis surgery is a safe and effective procedure to perform in older patients; this meta-analysis suggests that open surgery confers a significant rate of excellent aesthetic results with a low reoperation rate and minimal complications associated with the intervention. Future research with direct comparisons among different techniques will validate the findings of this study, which will all contribute to the rigor of synostosis management.

Long-term outcomes after surgical correction of anterior plagiocephaly secondary to isolated frontosphenoidal synostosis: a systematic review and two illustrative cases

PURPOSE

Anterior plagiocephaly ( AP), secondary to isolated frontosphenoidal synostosis (IFS), represents one of the rarest forms of craniosynostosis documented in medical literature. Therefore, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the long-term (> 2 years) postoperative outcomes of this minor suture synostosis.

METHODS

This study presents the long-term outcomes of two patients previously treated for IFS, detailing their clinical, imaging, and postoperative characteristics. Additionally, a systematic review was conducted following PRISMA criteria to summarize existing literature on the topic. The review specifically focuses on long-term aesthetic outcomes, reoperation rates, and complications following surgical intervention for IFS.

RESULTS

Four articles encompassing 12 patients were included in the systematic review. The review highlights clinical features, postoperative complications, reoperation rates, and long-term aesthetic outcomes. The mean age at surgery was 17.5 months (range 9.5-24 months), with an average age at diagnosis of 9.3 months (range 6-10 months). Fronto-orbital advancement was the predominant surgical approach described across all cases. The reoperation rate among patients was 16.6%, with only two cases reporting postoperative complications. In one of our cases, an intraoperative CT scan was utilized to illustrate real-time improvement in frontal bone alignment according to the surgical plan, which significantly contributed to positive long-term clinical outcomes observed during a follow-up period exceeding 24 months.

CONCLUSION

IFS, is a rare minor suture synostosis, significantly affects the aesthetic appearance of the forehead and necessitates consideration in the management of AP cases. Surgical intervention has shown minimal reoperation rates and excellent long-term prognosis. These findings are reinforced by recent institutional data and a comprehensive systematic review of the current literature.

Comparison of Morphometric Outcomes following Open Posterior Expansion versus Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy for Sagittal Synostosis

BACKGROUND

Open middle and posterior cranial vault expansion (OPVE) or endoscopic (ES) strip craniectomy are two surgical techniques for normalization of head shape in isolated sagittal synostosis. This study aims to compare 2-year cranial morphometrics after these two approaches.

METHODS

The authors performed morphometric analysis on preoperative [time (T) 0], immediately postoperative (T1), and 2-year (T2) postoperative computed tomographic scans of patients who underwent OPVE or ES before 4 months of age. Perioperative data and morphometrics were compared between the two groups and age-matched controls.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were included in the ES cohort, 19 age-matched patients were included in the OPVE cohort, and 57 were included as controls. Median surgery time and blood transfusion volume were less for the ES approach (118 minutes and 0 cc, respectively) compared with OPVE (204 minutes and 250 cc, respectively). Anthropometric measurements after OPVE were closer in normal controls at T1 compared with ES, but the skull shapes were comparable at T2. In the midsagittal plane, anterior vault was higher after OPVE at T2 compared with both ES and controls, but the posterior length was shorter and closer to controls than in the ES cohort. Cranial volumes were like controls for both cohorts at T2. There was no difference in complication rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Both OPVE and ES techniques result in normalization of cranial shape in patients with isolated sagittal synostosis after 2 years with minimal morphometric differences. Family decision-making between the two approaches should be based on age at presentation, avoidance of blood transfusion, scar pattern, and availability of helmet molding and not on expected outcome.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Perioperative quality indicators among neurosurgery patients: A retrospective cohort study of 1142 cases at a tertiary center

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to present the first comprehensive analysis of perioperative quality indicators; length of hospital stay; readmission; reoperation; pre-, intra, and postoperative events; and mortality in a diverse neurosurgical patient cohort in Europe.

METHODS

Electronic medical records of all patients who were admitted to our institution between January 1 and December 31 of 2020, and underwent an index neurosurgical operation (n = 1142) were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The median length of hospital stay at the index admission and readmission was 8 days (range: 1-242 days) and 5 days (range: 0-94 days), respectively. Of the 1142 patients, 22.9% (n = 262) had an extended length of hospital stay of ≥14 days. The all-cause 7-, 15-, 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmission rates were 3.9% (n = 44), 5.7% (n = 65), 8.8% (n = 100), 12.3% (n = 141), and 16.5% (n = 188), respectively. The main reason for unplanned readmission was deterioration of medical and/or neurological condition. The all-cause 7-, 15-, 30-, 60-, and 90-day reoperation rates were 11.1% (n = 127), 13.8% (n = 158), 16.5% (n = 189), 18.7% (n = 213), and 19.4% (n = 221), respectively. Unplanned reoperations were due primarily to hydrocephalus. The rate of preoperative events was 1.1% (n = 13), one-third of which were associated with infection. The rate of intraoperative events was 11.0% (n = 126), of which 98 (64.47%) were surgical, 37 (24.34%) were anesthesiologic, and 17 (11.18%) were associated with technical equipment. The rate of postoperative events was 9.5% (n = 109). The most common postoperative event was malfunction, disconnection, or dislocation of an implanted device (n = 24, 17.91%). The mortality rates within 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days after the index operation were 0.9% (n = 10), 1.8% (n = 21), 2.5% (n = 29), 3.4% (n = 39), and 4.7% (n = 54), respectively. Several patient characteristics and perioperative factors were significantly associated with outcome parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides an in-depth analysis of quality indicators in neurosurgery, highlighting a variety of inherent and modifiable factors influencing patient outcomes.

Minor Suture Fusion is Associated With Chiari Malformation in Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis

Here, we focused on the association between minor suture fusion and Chiari malformation (CM) occurrence in nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NSC), and evaluated how the minor suture affects the posterior cranial fossa by measuring the posterior fossa deflection angle (PFA). In this retrospective study, the clinical records of 137 patients who underwent surgery for NSC at Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center between April 2010 and May 2022 were analyzed. Clinical data from Aichi Developmental Disability Center Central Hospital was collected for 23 patients as the external validation set. Among the 137 patients, 123 were diagnosed with NSC and the remaining 14 with syndromic craniosynostosis. Of the 123 NSC patients, 23 patients presented with CM. Multivariate analysis showed that occipito-mastoid fusion was the only significant risk factor for CM ( P =0.0218). Within the NSC group, CM patients had a significantly increased PFA (6.33±8.10 deg) compared with those without CM (2.76±3.29 deg, P =0.0487). Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patients with occipito-mastoid suture fusion had a significantly increased PFA (6.50±7.60 deg) compared with those without occipito-mastoid fusion (2.60±3.23 deg, P =0.0164). In the validation cohort, occipito-mastoid suture fusion was validated as an independent risk factor for CM in univariate analysis. Minor suture fusion may cause CM associated with NSC. Chiari malformation could develop due to an increased PFA due to minor suture fusion, which causes growth disturbance in the affected side and compensatory dilation in the contralateral side within the posterior cranial fossa.

Preoperative Frontal and Parietal Bone Thickness Assessment to Predict Blood Loss and Transfusion During Extended Suturectomy for Isolated Sagittal Craniosynostosis

OBJECTIVE

To predict the morbidity of sagittal suturectomy using preoperative computer tomographic measurement of frontal and parietal bone thickness in osteotomy sites.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

Tertiary children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Fifty infants with nonsyndromic, isolated sagittal craniosynostosis who underwent extended sagittal suturectomy from 2015-2022.

METHODS

Mean thickness of the frontal and parietal bone in regions of osteotomies were determined for each patient from preoperative CT images obtained within 30 days prior to suturectomy. The relationship between bone thickness (mm) and estimated blood loss (mL) was evaluated using Spearman's correlation and a multivariable model that adjusted for patient weight and surgery duration. The association between bone thickness and perioperative blood transfusion was evaluated using a multivariable logistic model controlling for patient weight and surgery duration.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Estimated blood loss, perioperative blood transfusion.

RESULTS

Frontal and parietal bone thickness in the region of osteotomies were positively correlated with estimated blood loss (p < 0.01). After adjusting for patient weight and duration of operation, both parietal and frontal bone thickness were associated with intraoperative blood loss (R2 = 0.292, p = 0.002 and R2 = 0.216, p = 0.026). Thicker frontal and parietal bone in the line of osteotomies resulted in significantly higher odds of blood transfusion. Bone thickness in the line of parietal osteotomies was 76% accurate at identifying patients who would require blood transfusion (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Frontal and parietal bone thickness in the line of osteotomies is associated with blood loss and perioperative blood transfusion for sagittal suturectomy operations.

Comparative Analysis of 2D and 3D Metrics for Evaluation of Postoperative Outcomes Following Endoscopic Suturectomy for Sagittal Craniosynostosis

To assess whether 3-dimensional (3D) volumetrics can be used to track and evaluate postoperative course of patients treated with endoscopic suturectomy for nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis, we compared changes in 2-dimensional (2D) measurements along with 3D volumetric correlates throughout the period of helmet therapy. Forty-six patients treated at our institution with endoscopic suturectomy for sagittal synostosis were retrospectively reviewed. Head circumference (HC), cephalic index (CI), and total cranial volumes (TCVs) were measured at 3 timepoints following surgery using optical surface scans obtained for helmet orthotics. All measurements showed significant differences between timepoints on the analysis of variance ( P <0.001). There was a significant correlation between CI and TCV (r=0.35, P =0.004) and between HC and TCV (r=0.81, P <0.001). The normalized rate of change over the course of treatment was significantly higher for TCV (36.7%) than for CI (8.8%) and HC (8.4%, P <0.001), with no difference between HC and CI. The authors conclude that 3D metrics were able to reliably follow the course of postoperative 2D metrics. There was a direct and linear correlation between HC and CI with TCV. Total cranial volumes showed the highest rate of sustained change at every timepoint. Although CI and HC plateau after the first measurement, TCV continues to adapt over the course of treatment. These results demonstrate the feasibility and value of volumetrics from 3D imaging to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of postoperative surgical outcomes than traditional 2D metrics without the ionizing radiation traditionally utilized for CT to obtain 3D metrics.

An Esthetic Scoring System for Scaphocephaly Assessment and Outcomes: A Pilot Study

Scaphocephaly is the commonest form of craniosynostosis with a varied presentation consisting of many morphological components and a range of possible surgical interventions. However, with regard to esthetic assessment, there is no universally applied assessment system. The aim was to develop a simple assessment tool encompassing multiple phenotypic components of scaphocephaly. This was done by piloting a red/amber/green (RAG) scoring system to judge esthetic outcomes following scaphocephaly surgery using photographs and experienced observers. Standard photographic views of 20 patients who had undergone either passive or anterior 2/3 vault remodelling were scored by 5 experienced assessors. Using a RAG scoring system before and after scaphocephaly correction according to 6 morphological characteristics: visual impression of cephalic index, calvarial height, bitemporal pinching, frontal bossing, posterior bullet, and displacement of the vertex. All 5 assessors were asked to score the preoperative and postoperative views independently. The RAG scores were each assigned a number (1-3) and added to give a composite score (range 6-18) and these were averaged between the 5 assessors. There was a highly statistically significant difference between both preoperative and postoperative composite scores ( P <0.0001). A subgroup analysis of the postoperative composite score between the 2 surgical techniques showed no significant difference ( P =0.759). The RAG scoring system can be used to assess esthetic change following scaphocephaly correction and it provides both a visual analogue and a numerical indicator of change. This assessment method needs further validation but is a potentially reproducible way to score and compare esthetic outcomes in scaphocephaly correction.

The Need for Additional Surgery after Passive versus Active Approaches to Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Meta-analysis

Endoscopically assisted craniofacial surgery (EACS) has numerous advantages over traditional, open approaches, such as fronto-orbital advancement in treating nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. However, several articles report high reoperation rates in syndromic patients treated with EACS. This meta-analysis and review examines undesirable outcome rates (UORs), defined as reoperation or Whitaker category III/IV, in syndromic patients undergoing primary EACS compared with procedures that actively expand the cranial vault.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched in June 2022 to identify all articles reporting primary reoperation or Whitaker outcomes for syndromic patients undergoing cranial vault expanding surgery or suturectomy. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed comparing UORs, and a trim-and-fill adjustment method was used to validate sensitivity and assess publication bias.

Results

A total of 721 articles were screened. Five EACS articles (83 patients) and 22 active approach articles (478 patients) met inclusion criteria. Average UORs for EACS and active approaches were 26% (14%-38%) and 20% (13%-28%), respectively (P = 0.18). Reoperation occurred earlier in EACS patients (13.7 months postprimary surgery versus 37.1 months for active approaches, P = 0.003). Relapse presentations and reason for reoperation were also reviewed. Subjectively, EACS UORs were higher in all syndromes except Apert, and Saethre-Chotzen patients had the highest UOR for both approaches.

Conclusions

There was no statistically significant increase in UORs among syndromic patients treated with EACS compared with traditional approaches, although EACS patients required revision significantly sooner. Uncertainties regarding the long-term efficacy of EACS in children with syndromic craniosynostosis should be revisited as more data become available.

Initial UK series of endoscopic suturectomy with postoperative helmeting for craniosynostosis: early report of perioperative experience

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic suturectomy with postoperative helmeting (ESCH) has emerged as a successful treatment for craniosynostosis, initially in North America. We report early outcomes from the first cohort of ESCH patients treated in the United Kingdom (UK).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study with electronic chart review.

RESULTS

18 consecutive patients from the first ESCH procedure in UK (May 2017) until January 2020 identified. 12 male and 6 female infantsd, with a mean age of 4.6 months (range 2.5-7.8 months) and weight of 6.8 kg (range 4.8-9.8 kg). Diagnoses were metopic (n = 8), unicoronal (n = 7), sagittal (n = 2) and multi-sutural (n = 1) synostoses. Median incision length was 3 cm (range 2-10 cm). 16/18 received no blood products, with 2 (both metopics) requiring transfusion (1 donor exposure). Mean operative time (including anaesthesia) was 96 min (range 40-127 min). Median length of hospital stay was 1 night. 1 surgical complication (superficial infection). All patients are currently undergoing helmet orthosis therapy. So far, no patients have required revisional or squint surgery.

CONCLUSION

Early experience from the first UK cohort of ESCH suggests that this is a safe and well tolerated technique with low morbidity, transfusion and short hospital stay. Long-term results in terms of shape, cosmetic and developmental outcome are awaited.

Perioperative outcomes in minimally-invasive versus open surgery in infants undergoing repair of congenital anomalies

BACKGROUND

This study compared perioperative outcomes among infants undergoing repair of congenital anomalies using minimally invasive (MIS) versus open surgical approaches.

METHODS

The ACS NSQIP Pediatric (2013-2018) was queried for patients undergoing repair of any of the following 9 congenital anomalies: congenital lung lesion (LL), mediastinal mass (MM), congenital malrotation (CM), anorectal malformation (ARM), Hirschsprung disease (HD), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), hepatobiliary anomalies (HB), and intestinal atresia (IA). Inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) derived from propensity scores were utilized to estimate risk-adjusted association between surgical approach and 30-day outcomes.

RESULTS

12,871 patients undergoing congenital anomaly repair were included (10,343 open; 2528 MIS). After IPTW, MIS was associated with longer operative time (difference; 95% CI) (16 min; 9-23) and anesthesia time (13 min; 6-21), but less postoperative ventilation days (-1.0 days; -1.4- -0.6) and shorter postoperative length of stay (-1.4 days; -2.4- -0.3). MIS repairs had decreased risk of any surgical complication (risk difference: -6.6%; -9.2- -4.0), including hematologic complications (-7.3%; -8.9- -5.8). There was no significant difference in risk of complication when hematologic complications were excluded (RD -2.3% [-4.7%, 0.1%]). There were no significant differences in the risk of unplanned reoperation (0.4%; -1.5-2.2) or unplanned readmission (0.2%; -1.2-1.5).

CONCLUSIONS

MIS repair of congenital anomalies is associated with improved perioperative outcomes when compared to open. Additional studies are needed to compare long-term functional and disease-specific outcomes.

MINI-ABSTRACT

In this propensity-weighted multi-institutional analysis of nine congenital anomalies, minimally invasive surgical repair was associated with improved 30-day outcomes when compared to open surgical repair.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Next-generation personalized cranioplasty treatment

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical procedure, that is followed by cranioplasty surgery. DC is usually performed to treat patients with traumatic brain injury, intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, brain edema, skull fractures, etc. In many published clinical case studies and systematic reviews, cranioplasty surgery is reported to restore cranial symmetry with good cosmetic outcomes and neurophysiologically relevant functional outcomes in hundreds of patients. In this review article, we present a number of key issues related to the manufacturing of patient-specific implants, clinical complications, cosmetic outcomes, and newer alternative therapies. While discussing alternative therapeutic treatments for cranioplasty, biomolecules and cellular-based approaches have been emphasized. The current clinical practices in the restoration of cranial defects involve 3D printing to produce patient-specific prefabricated cranial implants, that provide better cosmetic outcomes. Regardless of the advancements in image processing and 3D printing, the complete clinical procedure is time-consuming and requires significant costs. To reduce manual intervention and to address unmet clinical demands, it has been highlighted that automated implant fabrication by data-driven methods can accelerate the design and manufacturing of patient-specific cranial implants. The data-driven approaches, encompassing artificial intelligence (machine learning/deep learning) and E-platforms, such as publicly accessible clinical databases will lead to the development of the next generation of patient-specific cranial implants, which can provide predictable clinical outcomes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cranioplasty is performed to reconstruct cranial defects of patients who have undergone decompressive craniectomy. Cranioplasty surgery improves the aesthetic and functional outcomes of those patients. To meet the clinical demands of cranioplasty surgery, accelerated designing and manufacturing of 3D cranial implants are required. This review provides an overview of biomaterial implants and bone flap manufacturing methods for cranioplasty surgery. In addition, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine-based approaches to reduce clinical complications are also highlighted. The potential use of data-driven computer applications and data-driven artificial intelligence-based approaches are emphasized to accelerate the clinical protocols of cranioplasty treatment with less manual intervention and shorter intraoperative time.

Trigonocephaly: Quantitative Comparison of the Complete Vault Reconstruction and Minimally Invasive Suturectomy

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to present and compare outcomes and complications of conventional open reconstruction and minimally invasive correction of metopic synostosis in patients who underwent treatment of trigonocephaly in our center between 2015 and 2019.

METHODS

The hospital database was searched for hospitalization and surgical information, as well as imaging of individuals with trigonocephaly. Postoperative evaluation of the patients was performed during the follow-up sessions. The radiological evaluation was based on brain computed tomography scans taken 2 years following the operation.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients (19 females and 45 males) had their trigonocephaly corrected surgically. Thirty-five patients (9 females and 26 males) had complete vault reconstruction surgery, while 29 patients (10 females and 19 males) had minimally invasive suturectomy (MIS). The postoperative cephalic width/intercoronal distance ratio and interpupillary distance/interfrontozygomatic distance ratio assessment showed no differences in the outcome of both groups (P value > 0.05). Minimally invasive techniques resulted in less intraoperative bleeding, a shorter stay in the intensive care unit and hospital, and a shorter surgery and anesthesia duration (P value < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment of trigonocephaly can result in a satisfactory correction of the deformity. MIS delivers a comparable result to complete vault reconstruction with less invasiveness and hospitalization and can be considered a reasonable option for patients in their early months of life. Patients must, however, undergo long-term cosmetic, behavioral, and developmental evaluations.

Open Versus Minimally Invasive Approach for Craniosynostosis: Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric

OBJECTIVE

This multicenter study aimed to compare demographic, operative, and short-term outcomes data between open and minimally invasive surgical approaches for craniosynostosis repair utilizing the American College of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric (NSQIP-P) database and highlight surgical disparities among races and ethnicities.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of large multicenter database.

SETTING

Freestanding general acute care children's hospitals, children's hospitals within a larger hospital, specialty children's hospitals, or general acute care hospitals with a pediatric wing.

PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 4931 pediatric patients underwent craniosynostosis correction within the NSQIP-P database from 2013 to 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Demographic information included age at surgery, sex, race, and ethnicity. Operative and outcomes measures included operative time, anesthesia time, days until discharge, postoperative complications, blood transfusions, 30-day readmission, and 30-day unplanned return to operating room.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery had significantly shorter operative and anesthesia times (p < .001; p < .001), fewer days until discharge (p < .001), fewer postoperative complications (p < .05), and less blood transfusions (p < .001). The proportion of White patients was significantly higher in the minimally invasive surgery group (p < .01), whereas Black and Hispanic patients had a significantly higher proportion in the open surgery group (p < .001; p < .001). Additionally, the percentage of patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery increased from 3.8% in 2014 to over 13% in 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

This study adds to a growing consensus that minimally invasive surgery has significantly decreased operative time, anesthesia time, transfusion rates, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications compared to open surgery. Racial and ethnic surgical disparities showed larger proportions of Black and Hispanic populations undergoing open procedures.

Late Deformity Following Fronto-Orbital Reconstructive Surgery for Metopic Synostosis: The Role of Temporalis Muscle

ABSTRACT

Theories for late-developing deformity (LDD) following fronto-orbital reconstructive surgery (FOR) for metopic synostosis (MS) must explain both its delayed onset and its physical characteristics. This study examined whether FOR-related interference with the normal childhood expansion of temporalis is responsible for its soft tissue component.Three-dimensional reformats of preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans of MS patients were reviewed. Measurements of vertical and horizontal reach of temporalis against those of the underlying skull (to allow for normal skull growth) were compared with normal subjects. The thickness of temporalis and the development of the temporal crests were also assessed.Mean age at FOR was 17.1 months; interval between surgery and first report of LDD 4.7 years; mean age at computed tomography scan for post-FOR LDD patients 8.8 years. There was a significant difference between vertical and horizontal reach of temporalis in pre-FOR MS patients compared to normal subjects (P < 0.0017 and P < 0.05, respectively). The vertical age-related reach of temporalis in post-FOR patients after allowing for underlying skull growth was significantly reduced (P = 0.0045) compared to normal subjects but not its horizontal reach (P = 0.25). Temporal crests in LDD patients were absent or aberrantly formed while muscle thickness was similar to normal subjects at the 2 levels measured.This study supports the theory that failure of the normal childhood expansion of temporalis is responsible for the soft tissue element of LDD, accounting for both its delayed onset and physical characteristics. Aberrant temporal crest development suggests FOR-related damage as the probable cause.

Predictors of Blood Transfusion for Endoscopic Assisted Craniosynostosis Surgery

ABSTRACT

Blood loss is a main cause of morbidity after craniofacial procedures. The purpose of this study is to identify the incidence and predictors for transfusion of blood products in the endoscopic assisted strip craniectomy population. Data was prospectively collected from a single-center multi-surgeon cohort of 78 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic assisted strip craniectomy for craniosynostosis between July 2013 and December 2020. The authors reviewed patient and treatment characteristics and outcomes. Of the 78 patients, 26 patients were transfused yielding an overall rate of transfusion of 33%. The most common fused suture was sagittal (n = 42, 54%) followed by metopic (n = 15, 19%), multiple (n = 10, 13%), coronal (n = 7, 9%) and finally lambdoid (n = 4, 5%). On univariate analysis, patients' weight in the transfusion cohort were significantly lower than those who did not receive a transfusion (5.6 ± 1.1 versus 6.5 ± 1.1 kg, P = 0.0008). The transfusion group also had significantly lower preoperative hemoglobin compared to the non-transfusion group (10.6 versus 11.1, P = .049). Eleven percent patients admitted to step-down received a transfusion, whereas 39% of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit received a transfusion (P = 0.042). On multivariate analysis, only higher patient weight (operating room [OR] 0.305 [0.134, 0.693], P = 0.005) was protective against a transfusion, whereas colloid volume (OR 1.018 [1.003, 1.033], P = 0.019) predicted the need for a transfusion. Our results demonstrate that endoscopic craniosynostosis cases carry a moderate risk of transfusion. Individuals with lower weight and those that receive colloid volume are also at elevated risk.

Outcomes of Surgical Management of Metopic Synostosis : A Retrospective Study of 18 Cases

Objective

To describe the surgical management and postoperative outcomes in infants with metopic synostosis.

Methods

We conducted a 5 years retrospective chart review of patients who underwent surgical correction of metopic synostosis at two university hospitals in Egypt during the period between June 2014 and June 2019. The study is conducted to 18 children. The type of surgical procedures and postoperative outcomes were assessed in all patients.

Results

Five cases (27.8%) underwent endoscopic-assisted suturectomy, 10 cases (55.6%) underwent craniofacial reconstruction, and three cases (16.6%) underwent open burring of the metopic ridge. Fifteen patients underwent one surgery and three patients (16.6%) who need second operation. Ten patients (55.6%) had class I Whitaker classification.

Conclusion

Regardless of type of surgery, the outcomes of surgical correction of metopic synostosis are excellent with only a few patients require revision or develop major complications.

Evaluating the Utility of Routine Computed Tomography Scans after Cranial Vault Reconstruction for Children with Craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative computed tomography scans allow for evaluation of the structural results of cranial vault reconstruction and potential surgical concerns. The authors evaluated the clinical utility of routine postoperative scans to identify relevant surgical findings in children treated for craniosynostosis.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective study of postoperative computed tomography reports for patients with craniosynostosis following cranial vault reconstruction during a 9-year period at their tertiary care pediatric hospital. They categorized postoperative computed tomography findings as typical, atypical, or indeterminate. Images with reported indeterminate or atypical findings were reviewed and verified by a pediatric neuroradiologist and a pediatric neurological surgeon. Clinical outcomes of patients with abnormal postoperative images were assessed with chart review for clinical relevance.

RESULTS

Postoperative computed tomography radiology reports for 548 operations in 506 participants were included. Most participants had single-suture craniosynostosis (89 percent), were male (64 percent), and under 1 year of age (78 percent). Surgically concerning scans were described in 52 reports (<9.5 percent), and the research team's pediatric neuroradiologist confirmed abnormal findings in 36 (6.5 percent). Potentially relevant abnormal findings included subdural blood (n = 18), subarachnoid blood (n = 4), intraparenchymal findings (n = 6), bone abnormalities (n = 5), vascular injury (n = 3), and increased ventricular size (n = 2). Most cases with abnormal findings did not require additional observation nor intervention. Only three cases (of 548; 0.55 percent) required further intervention, which included additional medical management (n = 2) and return to the operating room (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

Abnormal findings on routine computed tomography scans after cranial vault reconstruction are uncommon and rarely result in an urgent surgical or medical intervention.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic, IV.

Realistic simulator for craniosynostosis endoscopic approach

Craniosynostosis is a premature fusion of cranial sutures, and it requires surgery to decrease cranial pressure and remodel the affected areas. However, mastering these procedures requires years of supervised training. Several neurosurgical training simulators have been created to shorten the learning curve. Laboratory training is fundamental for acquiring familiarity with the necessary techniques and skills to properly handle instruments. This video presents a novel simulator for training on the endoscopic treatment for scaphocephaly and trigonocephaly, covering all aspects of the procedure, from patient positioning to performing osteotomies.

The video can be found here: https://vimeo.com/512526147.

Machine Learning Applied to Registry Data: Development of a Patient-Specific Prediction Model for Blood Transfusion Requirements During Craniofacial Surgery Using the Pediatric Craniofacial Perioperative Registry Dataset

BACKGROUND

Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of ≥1 cranial sutures and often requires surgical intervention. Surgery may involve extensive osteotomies, which can lead to substantial blood loss. Currently, there are no consensus recommendations for guiding blood conservation or transfusion in this patient population. The aim of this study is to develop a machine-learning model to predict blood product transfusion requirements for individual pediatric patients undergoing craniofacial surgery.

METHODS

Using data from 2143 patients in the Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery Perioperative Registry, we assessed 6 machine-learning classification and regression models based on random forest, adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), neural network, gradient boosting machine (GBM), support vector machine, and elastic net methods with inputs from 22 demographic and preoperative features. We developed classification models to predict an individual's overall need for transfusion and regression models to predict the number of blood product units to be ordered preoperatively. The study is reported according to the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) checklist for prediction model development.

RESULTS

The GBM performed best in both domains, with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87 ± 0.03 (95% confidence interval) and F-score of 0.91 ± 0.04 for classification, and a mean squared error of 1.15 ± 0.12, R-squared (R) of 0.73 ± 0.02, and root mean squared error of 1.05 ± 0.06 for regression. GBM feature ranking determined that the following variables held the most information for prediction: platelet count, weight, preoperative hematocrit, surgical volume per institution, age, and preoperative hemoglobin. We then produced a calculator to show the number of units of blood that should be ordered preoperatively for an individual patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthesiologists and surgeons can use this continually evolving predictive model to improve clinical care of patients presenting for craniosynostosis surgery.

Outcomes following Craniosynostosis Surgery at a Tertiary Care Center in the Middle East

BACKGROUND

Despite advancements in craniosynostosis surgery, open surgical approaches remain crucial for the management of infants >6 months of age and in those with complex synostosis. The clinical features of craniosynostosis remain poorly characterized in the Middle East. This study sought to assess the clinical features and outcomes of infants undergoing craniosynostosis surgery at a tertiary care center in Lebanon.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent craniosynostosis surgery from December 2006 to December 2018 at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon. Clinicodemographic characteristics, complications, and recurrence outcomes were recorded and evaluated using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Thirty-five infants met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 9.0 ± 4.0 months. The most common site of suture involvement was metopic (28.6%), followed by unilateral coronal (25.7%), sagittal (20.0%), bicoronal (8.6%), and multiple sites (17.1%). Five patients (14.3%) had syndromic synostosis. Median estimated blood loss was 200 mL, and median volume of transfused packed red blood cells was 180 mL. Two patients (5.7%) experienced postoperative complications, including postoperative blood transfusion (n = 1)and wire protrusion requiring removal (n = 1). Three patients (8.6%) required reoperation: 2 (5.7%) for resynostosis and 1 for traumatic fracture repair. Caregivers of all patients reported high satisfaction with cosmetic outcomes 4 weeks postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

With appropriate perioperative precautions, open craniosynostosis surgery can be performed with minimal complications, low recurrence rates, and satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. Additional population-level data are needed to better characterize craniosynostosis patterns and outcomes in the Middle East.

Biparietal meander expansion technique for sagittal suture synostosis in patients older than 1 year of age-technical note

OBJECTIVE

Sagittal suture synostosis (SSS) is the most common form of craniosynostosis. For older patients, the strategy for surgical correction needs to consider diminished growth dynamics of the skull and an active reconstruction cranioplasty aims to sustain stability for the active child. We describe our technique of biparietal meander expansion (BME) technique for SSS for patients older than 1 year and retrospectively reviewed the perioperative course as well as the subjective experience of patients and caregivers during follow-up.

METHODS

The BME technique incorporates bilateral serpentine craniotomies and fixation of the consecutively expanded bone tongues with crossing sutures for patients with SSS older than 12 months of age at surgery. We reviewed patients undergoing this surgical technique for correction of SSS and collected data about the clinical course and performed a patients reported outcome measure (PROM) for patients or caregivers to evaluate subjective experience and outcome after surgical treatment.

RESULTS

BME was performed in 31 patients (8 females; median age: 43 months; range 13-388). The mean length of operation was 172.7±43 minutes (range 115-294). Patients experienced no immediate complications or neurological morbidity after surgery. Considering a total of 21 completed PROM questionnaires, the head shape after surgery was evaluated as either "better" (57%) or "much better" (43%) compared to preoperatively. Eighty-one percent of patients or caregivers answered that the patient experiences no limitation in daily activities. Although 42.8% perceived the hospital as strenuous, 90.5% would choose to undergo this treatment again.

CONCLUSION

BME is a feasible technique for older SSS patients resulting in immediate stability of the remodelled calvarium with a more normal head shape. The survey among caregivers or patients revealed a favourable subjectively experienced outcome after this type of surgical treatment of SSS in the more complex context of an older patient cohort.

Secondary vault reconstruction after open or minimal invasive correction for unisutural, multisutural or syndromic craniosynostosis: A cohort study on the impact of diagnosis and type of initial surgical technique

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to identify if certain types of craniosynostosis and/or surgical procedures are more likely to require a secondary intracranial procedure because of insufficient correction of skull shape or raised ICP after initial surgery.

METHODS

All consecutive cases with craniosynostosis that were operated at our center between January 2010 and January 2019 were included and the number of secondary operations of the vault were determined, as well as diagnosis, the indication and type and timing of initial surgery. Monobloc and facial bipartition procedures were excluded.

RESULTS

Over a nine year period, 790 vault corrections were performed in 780 patients of which 38 procedures were reoperations in 35 patient because of raised intracranial pressure or an insufficient esthetic result of the skull shape. Particularly patients with a multisutural or syndromic craniosynostosis are represented in this group, as well as three surgical procedures: 1. biparietal outfracturing for sagittal synostosis; 2. endoscopic stripcraniectomy with helmet therapy for unicoronal, multisutural or syndromic craniosynostosis; 3. conventional occipital expansion for syndromic craniosynostosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of a second intracranial correction for insufficient outcome of skull shape or for raised ICP is related to type of synostosis and type of initial surgical technique. Particularly multisutural and syndromic craniosynostosis are more likely to require repeat surgery for these indications. Concerning initial technique, biparietal outfracturing does not correct sagittal synostosis sufficiently, stripcraniectomy with helmet therapy appears to undercorrect unicoronal, multisutural and syndromic synostosis, and conventional occipital expansion for multisutural and syndromic synostosis has poorer outcome than occipital expansion with distraction.

Posterior Cranial Vault Distraction (PCVD): Common Complication Rates and Strategies of Prevention and Management

BACKGROUND

Posterior cranial vault distraction (PCVD) is a well-established procedure to treat infants with craniosynostosis. Craniofacial surgeons have seen an evolution in the complications following PCVD. This report aims to demonstrate the rates of common complications from PCVD, and to identify strategies for prevention and management of these complications.

METHODS

A formal literature review of studies on postoperative complications from PCVD was conducted to identify the breadth of reported complications from PCVD and rates of occurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 776 articles were captured by our search strategy. Nineteen original articles met inclusion criteria, with a total of 342 patients. The average rate of reported complications was 25%, range (0%-100%). The most commonly reported complication was postoperative infection (23.7%), followed by cerebrospinal fluid leak (20.3%) and device failure (15.3%). Postoperative infection, device exposure, iatrogenic vascular injury, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and other complications have the potential to disrupt distraction and increase morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

By continuing to identify and evaluate complications, prevention strategies can be determined and standardized to decrease complications from PCVD. These efforts uphold the ultimate goal for surgeons involved in the treatment of craniosynostosis: to provide safe, effective surgical care.

A Technique for Minimizing the Need for Hemotransfusion in Non-Syndromic Craniosynostosis Surgery

ABSTRACT

Surgery for craniosynostosis is associated with excessive blood loss, as well as morbidity and mortality risks. This study investigated the effectiveness of a surgical technique for nonsyndromic craniosynostosis intervention in controlling bleeding, assessed based on the volume of blood transfused. The cohort included 73 children who underwent nonsyndromic craniosynostosis surgery during a 3-year period. Retrospective evaluation of patient parameters included sex, weight, and age at the time of surgery; type of craniosynostosis; duration of surgery; hemoglobin concentration before and after surgery; rate of transfusion; and volume of transfused blood (mL/kg). The surgical technique involved skin incision and subgaleal dissection using electrocautery with a Colorado needle tip. The pericranium was not removed but instead kept in situ, and orbiectomy was performed using piezosurgery. Of the 73 children in the cohort, 75.3% underwent fronto-orbital advancement and were included in the analysis. The average age was 10.9 months (range: 4-96 months), with 68.5% boys and 31.5% girls (P < 0.001). The most common type of craniosynostosis was trigonocephaly (57.5%), followed by scaphocephaly (19.2%). The mean duration of the surgery was 2 hours and 55 minutes. Blood transfusion was needed in 56.2% of patients, with a mean volume of 8.7 mL/kg body weight transfused intraoperatively. No complications or fatalities were observed. These results suggested that meticulous, continuous control of homeostasis is paramount in minimizing blood loss during surgical repair of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.

Infectious Complications After Open Cranial Vault Remodeling for Craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection (SSI) after open cranial vault reconstruction (CVR), while relatively uncommon, has received little attention in the literature to date. Here, the authors report our institution's experience with the perioperative management of infectious complications following CVR for craniosynostosis and present the first systematic review of the literature on this topic.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective chart review for patients with syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis who underwent open CVR between 1990 and 2015 at a single institution to determine predictors of SSIs and a systematic review of studies that evaluated for SSI after CVR to ascertain the pooled incidence of SSI, common infectious organisms, and prophylactic antibiotic protocols.

RESULTS

Out of 548 primary and 163 secondary CVR cases at our institution, 6 primary reconstruction patients (1.09%) and 9 secondary reconstruction patients (5.52%) developed an SSI requiring extended hospital stay or readmission (P <0.001); overall infection rate was 2.11%. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species were the most common organisms isolated. On multivariate analysis, syndromic status conferred more than 7 times greater odds of SSI (OR 7.7, P = 0.023). Pooled analysis of the literature yielded an overall SSI rate of 1.05% to 2.01%. In contrast to our institutional findings, the most common organisms reported were Candida species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The most common prophylactic antibiotic protocol was a first-generation cephalosporin for 24 to 72 hours post-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing secondary reconstruction have higher infection rates after CVR, and syndromic status is an important predictor of infection when controlling for other patient factors. Our literature review reveals nosocomial organisms to be the most commonly reported source of infection, though this is contrary to our institutional findings of skin flora being most common. Antibiotic prophylaxis varies institutionally.

Operative Time as the Predominant Risk Factor for Transfusion Requirements in Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis Repair

Background:

Despite recent advances in surgical, anesthetic, and safety protocols in the management of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NSC), significant rates of intraoperative blood loss continue to be reported by multiple centers. The purpose of the current study was to examine our center’s experience with the surgical correction of NSC in an effort to determine independent risk factors of transfusion requirements.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of patients with NSC undergoing surgical correction at the Montreal Children’s Hospital was carried out. Baseline characteristics and perioperative complications were compared between patients receiving and not receiving transfusions and between those receiving a transfusion in excess or <25 cc/kg. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine independent predictors of transfusion requirements.

Results:

A total of 100 patients met our inclusion criteria with a mean transfusion requirement of 29.6 cc/kg. Eighty-seven patients (87%) required a transfusion, and 45 patients (45%) required a significant (>25 cc/kg) intraoperative transfusion. Regression analysis revealed that increasing length of surgery was the main determinant for intraoperative (P = 0.008; odds ratio, 18.48; 95% CI, 2.14–159.36) and significant (>25 cc/kg) intraoperative (P = 0.004; odds ratio, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.23–3.07) transfusions.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest increasing operative time as the predominant risk factor for intraoperative transfusion requirements. We encourage craniofacial surgeons to consider techniques to streamline the delivery of their selected procedure, in an effort to reduce operative time while minimizing the need for transfusion.

Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Surgery for Infantile Craniosynostosis: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patient outcomes of minimally invasive endoscopic strip craniectomy (ESC) for craniosynostosis.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort analysis (2004-2018) of 500 consecutive infants with craniosynostosis treated by ESC with orthotic therapy at a single center. Operative outcomes included transfusions, complications, and reoperations as well as head circumference change based on World Health Organization percentiles. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with blood transfusion. Paired t tests were used for within-patient comparisons and Fisher exact test to compare syndromic and nonsyndromic subgroups.

RESULTS

ESC was associated with low rates of blood transfusion (6.6%), complications (1.4%), and reoperations (3.0%). Risk factors for transfusion included syndromic craniosynostosis (P = .01) and multiple fused sutures (P = .02). Median surgical time was 47 minutes, and hospital length of stay 1 day. Transfusion and reoperation rates were higher among syndromic patients (both P < .001). Head circumference normalized by 12 months of age relative to World Health Organization criteria in infants with sagittal, coronal, and multisuture craniosynostosis (all P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

ESC is a safe, effective, and durable correction of infantile craniosynostosis. ESC can achieve head growth normalization with low risks of blood transfusion, complications, or reoperation. Early identification of craniosynostosis in the newborn period and prompt referral by pediatricians allows families the option of ESC vs larger and riskier open reconstruction procedures.

Topical Vancomycin for Surgical Prophylaxis in Pediatric Craniofacial Surgeries

Topical vancomycin has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) following spine surgery in both adults and children, however, there are no studies of its efficacy in reducing SSIs in craniofacial surgery. The SSIs are one of the most common complications following craniofacial surgery. The complexity of craniofacial procedures, use of grafts and implants, long operative durations and larger surgical wounds all contribute to the heightened risk of SSIs in pediatric craniofacial cases. A retrospective review of all open and endoscopic pediatric craniofacial procedures performed between May 2014 and December 2017 at a single children's hospital was conducted to examine SSI rates between patients receiving topical vancomycin and a historical control group. The treatment group received topical vancomycin irrigation before wound closure. An ad-hoc cost analysis was performed to determine the cost-savings associated with topical vancomycin use. A total of 132 craniofacial procedures were performed during the study period, with 50 cases in the control group and 82 cases in the vancomycin group. Overall, SSI rate was 3.03%. Use of topical vancomycin irrigation led to a significant reduction in SSIs (4/50 SSI or 8.0% in control group vs 0/82 or 0% in vancomycin group, P = 0.04). No adverse events were observed with topical vancomycin use. The potential cost-savings associated with the use of topical vancomycin as SSI prophylaxis in this study was $102,152. Addition of topical vancomycin irrigation as routine surgical infection prophylaxis can be an effective and low-cost method for reducing SSI in pediatric craniofacial surgery.

Tranexamic Acid Decreases Blood Transfusion Burden in Open Craniosynostosis Surgery Without Operative Compromise

In the surgical management of craniosynostosis, there is a high red blood cell (RBC) transfusion burden due to the small blood volume of the patients combined with significant blood loss that can occur with open surgery (OS). Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic which has been shown to decrease such a burden in particular surgeries. The aim of this study was to compare the operative outcomes of craniosynostosis OS which did and did not utilize TXA. Searches of 7 electronic databases from inception to February 2018 were conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. There were 206 articles screened against selection criteria for inclusion. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed using meta-analysis of proportions. A total of 9 comparative studies were included for meta-analysis. Compared with the control cohort, craniosynostosis OS utilizing TXA demonstrated significantly lower intraoperative RBC transfusion volumes (mean difference, -8.25 mL/kg; P < 0.001), blood loss (mean difference, -10.96 mL/kg; P < 0.001) and postoperative RBC transfusion incidence (odds ratio, OR, 0.12; P = 0.005). Fresh frozen plasma and crystalloid transfusion, operation time, length of stay, and complications were not significantly different with TXA use. Based on the comparative evidence currently available, TXA significantly decreased RBC transfusion burden during craniosynostosis OS without operative compromise. There is significant heterogeneity in reported TXA regimes in the literature. Future studies that are larger, randomized, and account for these factors will further enhance the authors' understanding.

Bilateral Transverse Sinus Thrombosis following Craniotomy and Cranial Reconstruction for Sagittal Craniosynostosis

INTRODUCTION

Craniotomy and cranial reconstruction is the most common procedure for children older than 6 months with craniosynostosis. Dural sinus thrombosis after this surgery has not been well reported in the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

This 2-year-old child underwent a bilateral craniotomy and cranial reconstruction for sagittal craniosynostosis. He had a partial thickness tear of the wall of the right transverse sinus which was uneventfully managed. Postoperative imaging showed evidence of bilateral thrombosis of the transverse sinus with a small occipital hemorrhage. He was started on low-molecular-weight heparin. Follow-up imaging showed nonprogression of the thrombosis. Four days later, he developed pulmonary hemorrhage, had an extended period of low oxygenation and hypotension with acute respiratory distress syndrome, and had to be ventilated for a prolonged period. Follow-up MRI showed evidence of extensive bilateral cortical hypointensities possibly due to hypoxemia. At the last follow-up, he continued to be grossly neurologically impaired.

CONCLUSION

Thrombosis of the dural sinuses is a very rare occurrence after an extensive craniotomy and cranial reconstruction. However, it should be considered during the postoperative period and, if diagnosed, it should be treated with anticoagulants. Avoiding a direct sinus injury during reflection of the craniotomy flap and covering the exposed sinus with moist cottonoids during the surgery is advocated to prevent sinus thrombosis.

Dynamic Chess-Table Cranial Expansion for Treatment of Craniocerebral Disproportion: Technical Note and Volumetric Results

OBJECTIVE

Craniocerebral disproportion (CCD) is a challenging disease, and several expansile procedures have been used for its treatment. This report describes the dynamic chess-table cranial expansion technique and reports on 9 patients with primary and secondary CCD treated with this procedure.

METHODS

Nine patients affected by CCD were treated with chess-table cranial expansion and reviewed. Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and radiologic findings were analyzed. ICP was monitored using epidural or telemetric sensors. Intracranial volume was measured using computed tomography image processing tools before the surgery, 24 hours after the surgery, and 1 month later. A mathematical model was developed to explain the clinical and surgical results.

RESULTS

Five patients had secondary CCD and 4 had primary CCD. The mean age for cranial expansion was 16.78 years. The most frequent symptoms were headaches, nausea/vomiting, and decreased consciousness. Slit ventricles and sutural sclerosis were observed in 33.3% and 55.6% of patients. The mean ICP before the procedure was 48.67 mm Hg. Progressive cranial expansion was seen in all patients after surgery. The mean ICP decreased to 11 mm Hg and mean intracranial volume expansion was 85.8 cm³ at 1 month after surgery. There were no serious complications after surgery. All patients improved their symptoms, and no patient needed additional cranial expansion procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Chess-table cranial expansion is a safe and effective procedure and may be used as an alternative treatment for CCD. Progressive expansion of the intracranial volume is related to a decrease in ICP recordings and an improvement of symptoms.

A systematic review of endoscopic versus open treatment of craniosynostosis. Part 2: the nonsagittal single sutures

OBJECTIVE

Despite increasing adoption of endoscopic techniques for repair of nonsagittal single-suture craniosynostosis, the efficacy and safety of the procedure relative to established open approaches are unknown. In this systematic review the authors aimed to directly compare open surgical and endoscope-assisted techniques for the treatment of metopic, unilateral coronal, and lambdoid craniosynostosis, with an emphasis on quantitative reported outcomes.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Relevant articles were identified from 3 electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL [Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials]) from their inception to August 2017. The quality of methodology and bias risk were assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.

RESULTS

Of 316 screened records, 7 studies were included in a qualitative synthesis of the evidence, of which none were eligible for meta-analysis. These reported on 111 unique patients with metopic, 65 with unilateral coronal, and 12 with lambdoid craniosynostosis. For all suture types, 100 (53%) children underwent endoscope-assisted craniosynostosis surgery and 32 (47%) patients underwent open repair. These studies all suggest that blood loss, transfusion rate, operating time, and length of hospital stay were superior for endoscopically treated children. Although potentially comparable or better cosmetic outcomes are reported, the paucity of evidence and considerable variability in outcomes preclude meaningful conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited data comparing open and endoscopic treatments for metopic, unilateral coronal, and lambdoid synostosis suggest a benefit for endoscopic techniques with respect to blood loss, transfusion, length of stay, and operating time. This report highlights shortcomings in evidence and gaps in knowledge regarding endoscopic repair of nonsagittal single-suture craniosynostosis, emphasizing the need for further matched-control studies.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of endoscopic versus open treatment of craniosynostosis. Part 1: the sagittal suture

OBJECTIVE

In this systematic review and meta-analysis the authors aimed to directly compare open surgical and endoscope-assisted techniques for the treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis, focusing on the outcomes of blood loss, transfusion rate, length of stay, operating time, complication rate, cost, and cosmetic outcome.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Relevant articles were identified from 3 electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL [Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials]) from their inception to August 2017. The quality of methodology and bias risk were assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Effect estimates between groups were calculated as standardized mean differences with 95% CIs. Random and fixed effects models were used to estimate the overall effect.

RESULTS

Of 316 screened records, 10 met the inclusion criteria, of which 3 were included in the meta-analysis. These studies reported on 303 patients treated endoscopically and 385 patients treated with open surgery. Endoscopic surgery was associated with lower estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), shorter length of stay (p < 0.001), and shorter operating time (p < 0.001). From the literature review of the 10 studies, transfusion rates for endoscopic procedures were consistently lower, with significant differences in 4 of 6 studies; the cost was lower, with differences ranging from $11,603 to $31,744 in 3 of 3 studies; and the cosmetic outcomes were equivocal (p > 0.05) in 3 of 3 studies. Finally, endoscopic techniques demonstrated complication rates similar to or lower than those of open surgery in 8 of 8 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic procedures are associated with lower estimated blood loss, operating time, and days in hospital. Future long-term prospective registries may establish advantages with respect to complications and cost, with equivalent cosmetic outcomes. Larger studies evaluating patient- or parent-reported satisfaction and optimal timing of intervention as well as heterogeneity in outcomes are indicated.

Endoscopic versus open approach in craniosynostosis repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis of perioperative outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Surgery for craniosynostosis remains a crucial element in successful management. Intervention by both endoscopic and open approaches has been proven effective. Given the differences in timing and indications for these procedures, differences in perioperative outcomes have yet to be thoroughly compared between the two approaches. The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the available evidence of perioperative outcomes between the two approaches in order to better influence the management paradigm of craniosynostosis.

METHODS

We followed recommended PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Seven electronic databases were searched to identify all potentially relevant studies published from inception to February 2018 which were then screened against a set of selection criteria. Data were extracted and analyzed using meta-analysis of proportions.

RESULTS

Twelve studies satisfied all the selection criteria to be included, which described a pooled cohort involving 2064 craniosynostosis patients, with 965 (47%) and 1099 (53%) patients undergoing surgery by endoscopic and open approaches respectively. When compared to the open approach, it was found that the endoscopic approach conferred statistically significant reductions in blood loss (MD = 162.4 mL), operative time (MD = 112.38 min), length of stay (MD = 2.56 days), and rates of perioperative complications (OR = 0.58), reoperation (OR = 0.37) and transfusion (OR = 0.09), where all p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Both endoscopic and open approaches for the surgical management of craniosynostosis are viable considerations. The endoscopic approach confers a significant reduction in operative and postoperative morbidity when compared to the open approach. Given that specific indications for either approach should be considered when managing a patient, the difference in perioperative outcomes remain an important element of this paradigm. Future studies will validate the findings of this study and consider long-term outcomes, which will all contribute to rigor of craniosynostosis management.

Evaluation of anesthesia in endoscopic strip craniectomy: A review of 121 patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate pre-, intra-, and postoperative anesthetic parameters in endoscopic strip craniectomy in order to improve anesthesiological care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective patient cohort study of our first 121 patients treated by endoscopic strip craniectomy. Preoperative as well as intra- and postoperative anesthesiological and neurological parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, the need for intensive care unit admission, blood loss, and blood transfusion rate were measured.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 3.9 months (standard deviation = 1) at a mean weight of 6.3 kg (standard deviation = 1.3). Comorbidity was registered in 13 (11%) patients of which 5 had syndrome-related comorbidities. Mean duration of anesthesia was 131 minutes (standard deviation = 32) . One hundred and sixteen patients were induced by mask induction with sevoflurane and 5 patients were induced intravenously. In 10 patients, mild intraoperative hypothermia (between 35 and 36 degrees Celsius) occurred. The mean estimated blood loss was 35.4 mL (standard deviation = 28.9) and blood transfusion rate was 21.5%. Brief and small intraoperative oxygen saturation drops were common during this study. No indication for venous air embolism was found based on endtidal CO₂ . Postoperative temperature above 38 degrees Celsius occurred 16 times and benign deviations in postoperative cardiopulmonary parameters occurred in 17 patients. Postoperative pain management was mainly established by paracetamol and low-dose morphine when necessary. No postoperative neurological symptoms were reported and no deaths occurred.

CONCLUSION

These patients had a relatively short intraoperative course with stable vital parameters during surgery. We report a low incidence of significant venous air embolism, a blood transfusion rate of 21% and only minor perioperative disturbances in vital parameters.

Surgical Considerations of Intractable Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Surgery of temporal lobe epilepsy is the best opportunity for seizure freedom in medically intractable patients. The surgical approach has evolved to recognize the paramount importance of the mesial temporal structures in the majority of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy who have a seizure origin in the mesial temporal structures. For those individuals with medically intractable mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, a selective amygdalohippocampectomy surgery can be done that provides an excellent opportunity for seizure freedom and limits the resection to temporal lobe structures primarily involved in seizure genesis.