Cranioplasty Brain Surgery

Candidates for a Cranioplasty

For patients who suffer from cranial defects, neurological impairments, malformations, injury or who underwent a previous surgery and now experience headaches, a Cranioplasty may be recommended. A Cranioplasty repairs damage or defects in the skull that may leave the brain vulnerable. The surgery could also help to improve neurological function by protecting embedded neurotechnologies. Headaches caused by a previous surgery or injury could also be reduced by undergoing a Cranioplasty.

The surgery may also be performed for aesthetic reasons to restore the contours of the skull where damage or a defect are present. Improving the shape of the skull helps to improve the patient’s confidence in his or her physical appearance.

What is a Cranioplasty?

A Cranioplasty is the surgical repair of the skull due to injury or defect. The procedure involves removing the scalp to expose the skull and placing either the original piece of the skull or a graft that has been custom-made to fit the contours of the patient’s skull. The graft may be crafted from a Titanium plate or mesh, synthetic bone substitute or solid biomaterial.

During the Cranioplasty procedure, the patient is given a general anesthetic and once asleep, is positioned so the surgeon may access the area of the skull in need of repair. The scalp where the incision will be made is shaved and cleaned with antiseptic, and then the surgeon carefully cuts the scalp. The layers of the scalp are pulled back to reveal the dura, which protects the brain. The edges of the surrounding bone are cleaned and the surface is prepared for the implant.

Once properly positioned, the bone or graft is secured to the surrounding skull using plates and screws. Bleeding is controlled and then the layers of the scalp and placed back into their original positions. The incision is closed with sutures. A small drain may be kept in place to help remove excess fluid buildup, which is removed in the following days post-surgery.

Results of a Cranioplasty Procedures

Following surgery, the patient is awoken in recovery and then transferred to the neurosurgical intensive care unit (NCCU). Here, the medical staff will monitor the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, strength and alertness. They will look for any signs of complications from surgery. The patient will remain in the NCCU overnight while these vitals are monitored every few hours.

Over the next few days in the NCCU, the patient may be given pain relief pills and injections to ensure he or she is comfortable. The IV drip will eventually be removed and the medical staff will help the patient to move about and begin walking. Normal motor functions are restored over time. Bandages are removed and the incision site is cleaned.

After two to three days when the patient is able to move around, another CT scan will be performed to check the surgical site. If no complications are found, the patient will be released from the hospital. The patient will still likely be tired and require more rest, may experience headaches and could need rehabilitation.

What are the risks of a Cranioplasty?

As with all surgeries, risk is present in a Cranioplasty procedure. Complications could include but are not limited to infection, blood clots, stroke, seizure, Pneumonia, heart attack or urinary infection. Patients should discuss these risks with their surgeons prior to the procedure.