What you need to know about Cranioplasty

Our brain is a very valuable and sensitive organ. Even the slightest damage to this brain can cause big problems. So the skull is the strongest cover in our body to protect this valuable brain. But sometimes, due to a serious accident, a medical condition like a brain tumor, or a previous brain surgery, this skull may be damaged and a part of it may have to be removed. In that case, we are talking about a special surgery that is performed to restore the gap or defect in the skull.

Simply put, what is Cranioplasty?

Cranioplasty is a surgical procedure that repairs a defect, gap, or abnormality in your skull. Your doctor can do three main things with this surgery:

• Skull reattachment: Reattaching a piece of your own skull bone that was removed in a previous surgery.
• Skull fracture repair: Rebuilding a fractured or cracked skull, such as from an accident.
• Skull contouring: Correcting an abnormality in the shape of the skull.

This type of surgery is usually needed after a severe head injury, a birth defect, or previous brain surgery. This is a planned procedure rather than an emergency procedure. Your doctor will decide if you need this surgery and when the best time is.

Why do you need to have this kind of surgery?

There are several reasons why a cranioplasty may be performed. Let's look at the main reasons.

Is this a major surgery? Are there any risks?

Yes, cranioplasty is a major surgery. Because it is performed very close to the brain, the risks associated with it are quite high. But don't worry. Your surgeon and medical team will take all necessary steps to minimize these risks.

How do we prepare before surgery?

Before surgery, your surgeon will talk to you and take a complete medical history. He or she will also perform a physical exam. He or she will order several tests to prepare for the surgery.

Those tests are:

• Blood tests
• X-ray
• MRI scan
• CT scan (Computed Tomography scan)

These tests can accurately measure the size of the skull defect, which is how the prosthetic used in the surgery is made to fit your skull exactly.

You may also be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection after surgery, and other medications to reduce the risk of conditions such as seizures. If you smoke or drink alcohol, stopping these activities at least a week before surgery can greatly help the healing process.

What exactly happens during the surgery?

On the day of your surgery, an anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia, which means you will be completely asleep and will not feel any pain.

Inside the operating room, your surgeon will follow these steps:

1. Preparation: The hair in the area where the surgery will be performed is removed and the skin is thoroughly cleaned.

2. Making the incision: An incision is made in the skin. If you have had previous surgery, the new incision is often made along the same line as the old incision.

3. Exposing the skull: The skin and muscles are carefully separated to expose the part of the skull that needs to be repaired.

4. Repair: A pre-selected material (such as your own bone or an artificial part) is placed in the hole or defect in the skull and fixed. Small plates and screws made of titanium are used to hold this in place.

5. Closure: The muscles and skin over the repaired skull are brought back into place, and the skin incision is closed with stitches.

What materials are used to make a skull?

Depending on your condition, the surgeon will choose one of the following materials.

What to expect after surgery?

After surgery, you will usually be admitted to a monitored unit/step-down unit near the intensive care unit, where the medical team will closely monitor your condition. If there are no complications, you will be transferred to a regular ward about a day later. You may have to stay in the hospital for about 5 days.

After the surgery, you may feel a headache or a sore throat. Don't worry. The medical team will give you the necessary medication to make you comfortable and control the pain. It is also very important to rest with your head slightly elevated and well supported with pillows.

Before you leave the hospital, you will have another scan to make sure everything is healing well. Your doctor will give you clear instructions on how to take care of yourself after you go home. Avoid strenuous activities and strenuous exercise. Get plenty of rest. Do not drive until your doctor gives you the okay.

Are there any complications after surgery?

As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications after this surgery. Studies suggest that there is a risk of about 40%. However, this risk varies depending on your general health and the nature of the surgery.

Although there is a risk of complications like these, they can be treated successfully if identified early.

How long will it take to recover?

The time it takes to fully recover varies from person to person. It depends on the complexity of the surgery and your body's healing rate. Generally, you can expect to see a good recovery in about one to three months .

When should we see the doctor?

Your doctor will give you follow-up appointments after the surgery. Usually, you will be seen in a week, a month, and three months.

However, if any of the following symptoms occur, call your doctor immediately:

• Severe, persistent headache
• Fever
• Swelling at the surgical site
• Fluid leaking from a surgical wound