Craniosynostosis surgery in Bangalore

Worried about the abnormal skull shape of your little one? If yes, then don't worry! This condition is known as Craniosynostosis and is far more common than you think. This article will dive into the realm of this congenital issue. From the introduction to its cause and symptoms to the best hospital for its treatment, particularly in Bangalore, this article covers everything you may need to know about this growing global issue.

Craniosynostosis is a congenital disorder affecting the skull of an infant. The condition involves the closing of the infant's skull before the proper formation of the brain. As a result, the shape of the skull becomes abnormal, eventually affecting the appearance and growth of the child's head. With the advancement in the field of medicine, surgery for Craniosynostosis has evolved, minimising the risks of developmental errors. However, these procedures are complex, as they involve operating on infants and a delicate structure — the skull. Gleneagles Hospital, a leading multidisciplinary center, offers specialized cranio-surgical care, ensuring the safety and well-being of your child.

Craniosynostosis involves the premature fusion of the sutures in the infant skull, limiting the skull’s ability to expand as the brain continues to grow. The skull itself consists of various bones that are divided by spongy or flexible sutures. The sutures allow the skull to expand, accommodating the growing brain during early development and infancy. However, in craniosynostosis, one or more of these sutures close too early, causing irregular skull shape and possible brain development problems.

The causes of craniosynostosis are usually unknown, although it might be associated with genetic disorders, environmental influences, or occur sporadically. The condition may be diagnosed by physical examination, imaging studies, and occasionally by genetic testing to exclude related syndromes.

Craniosynostosis is a critical congenital issue hindering the proper development of the brain and the skull, which can lead to other developmental issues in a child, if left untreated. These developmental issues may include:

• Brain Growth: Craniosynostosis restricts the proper expansion of the skull, eventually leading to improper brain development. This improper development leads to intellectual disabilities.
• Uneven Skull Shape: The underdeveloped fusion of sutures results in an uneven shape of the skull, which also poses cosmetic threats, especially when the child grows old.
• Hearing and Vision Problems: The sockets of the eyes and the hearing organs are fitted inside the skull. Hence, an abnormal shape of the skull leads to potential hearing or vision problems.
• Distorted Neurological Functions: Pressure exerted by an abnormal skull on the brain can also distort neurological functions, which can cause irritability, vomiting, and seizures in the child.

Due to the potential complications caused by craniosynostosis, surgery becomes a reliable option for its treatment. Early intervention generally results in the best possible outcomes.

Based on the extent of invasiveness, craniosynostosis surgery in Bangalore can be divided into two major parts, both of these procedures help restore the shape of the skull caused by premature fusion of skull sutures. These procedures can be further divided based on the tool used during the surgery; each of them is used according to the severity of the conditions. The types of surgeries are:

Minimally Invasive Surgery:

Minimally invasive surgery has become the most popular Craniosynostosis treatment due to its less traumatic properties than traditional open surgeries. This type includes smaller incisions, eventually resulting in faster and better recovery. Here's a list of kinds of minimally invasive Craniosynostosis surgeries:

1. Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy: Endoscopic strip craniectomy is performed for younger babies, usually less than six months of age. During the procedure, the doctor makes tiny incisions on the scalp to expose the fused suture. The surgeon uses an endoscope (a small camera) passed through the incisions to view the fused suture. The suture is removed, and the skull is reshaped with specialised tools.
2. Spring-Assisted Craniectomy: This procedure is similar to endoscopic strip craniectomy, with the addition of stainless steel springs. Following the removal of the fused suture, the doctor inserts tiny stainless steel springs between the bones of the skull. The springs gradually open space between the plates of the skull, enabling the brain to grow and the skull to expand with time.
3. Cranial Vault Distraction: Cranial vault distraction is a more intricate procedure in which the surgeon cuts a portion of bone from the skull to generate space. The surgeon then adds a distraction device to the skull, which expands over time. The device steadily stretches the skull, eventually making space for the brain to develop adequately.

Traditional Surgeries:

Traditional Craniosynostosis surgeries, also known as open surgeries, are largely invasive surgeries and far more complex than minimally invasive surgeries. These surgeries are more commonly used for the treatment of cases where the cranial deformity is very serious or if the minimally invasive procedures are not suited. The recovery time for traditional surgeries is also longer. Traditional surgeries are divided into:

1. Cranial Vault Remodeling (CVR): Cranial vault remodelling (CVR) is the most commonly used conventional open operation for craniosynostosis. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a larger incision in the scalp to access the fused sutures. The bones of the skull are gently reshaped and the stuck sutures are excised. The surgeon might reposition the bones or employ implants to assist in stabilizing the skull during the healing process.
2. Fronto-Orbital Advancement (FOA): Fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) is most frequently applied to cases of craniosynostosis involving the forehead and eyes, like coronal synostosis. During this operation, the surgeon takes out the front section of the skull, including the forehead and eye sockets (orbits). The bones of the skull are repositioned to enhance the look of the forehead and brow area.
3. Cranioplasty: Cranioplasty is typically performed after the initial surgery to correct skull deficiencies or close any openings created during the procedure. During the procedure, the surgeon repairs or reconstructs any skull deficiencies, typically using bone grafts or artificial materials like titanium plates.

All the Craniosynostosis surgeries require thorough planning and preparation before the actual commencement of surgery to ensure the suitability of the child for a particular type of surgery. Here's a list of preparatory steps you may expect during this phase:

1. Medical Evaluation: Medical evaluation of a child's health is a crucial step in determining the suitability for the surgery. In this phase, a paediatrician or surgeon will analyse the overall health and underlying health conditions that can significantly affect the surgery or recovery time.
2. Imaging and Diagnostic Tests: Imaging tests like CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs are used for the evaluation of the exact point of the skull deformity and to determine the type of surgery to be done.
3. Pre-Surgical Instructions: This is another crucial step of the preparatory phase. In this, parents are instructed on how to prepare their child for the surgery, which may include fasting guidelines and stopping certain medications.

Gleneagles Hospital is a premier cranio-surgery hospital in Bangalore. The hospital is determined to provide its patients with the best possible care and treatment with positive results. Here are some reasons why you should choose Gleneagles for your little one:

• Best Comprehensive care and treatment for your child not only in Bangalore but across India.
• Home to award-winning neurologists and surgeons, passionate about providing their patients with personalised treatments.
• The hospital is a pioneer in using a multidisciplinary approach, meaning various paediatricians and neurologists work together for the evaluation and development of groundbreaking surgical procedures.
• The hospital also offers cranio-maxillofacial surgery for the complete treatment of the face, jaws, nose, and other distorted facial features caused by Craniosynostosis.