Infants diagnosed with craniosynostosis who were younger than 6 months of age are considered for the endoscopic approach.
Just as in the traditional approach, a neurosurgeon removes the closed suture – but unlike the traditional approach, the endoscopic procedure does not include cranial remodeling during surgery. This minimally invasive procedure is typically performed on infants younger than three months of age, since it depends on extremely rapid brain growth to help reposition the cranial bones. Endoscopic assisted suturectomy usually takes less time in the operating room and requires a shorter hospital stay.
After an endoscopically assisted strip craniectomy, the child will wear a cranial remodeling helmet to help reshape the skull. The helmet is custom fit by an orthotist and is usually worn for 21 to 23 hours a day until the child reaches 9 to 12 months of age.
Studies have indicated that a child that wears a cranial remodeling helmet post operatively will have the best chance of a good surgical outcome.
KNOW YOUR FACTS. ASK QUESTIONS.
