[Scalp surgery in children: principles and therapeutic aspects]

Surgical treatment of the lesions of the scalp in children has specific objectives: excision of an extensive lesion using minimum operative procedures, hiding scar in the hair, correcting a wide and ungraceful scar. We reviewed our experience of 450 cases (1990-2000), and found that most common lesions in childhood were: sebaceous hamartoma, pigmentary naevus, post traumatic alopecia, aplasia cutis congenita and complicated hemangiomas. Different surgical procedures are discussed: excision, tissue expansion, hair grafts. Large excision can be performed before three months of life because of the good laxity of the scalp. Tissue expansion is particularly suited to the scalp. Aplasia cutis congenita is a special condition, with local vascular abnormalities: local flaps are prohibited. Hemangiomas may require early surgical treatment in the event of complications.