Cranial vault reduction cranioplasty in children with hydrocephalic macrocephaly

Michael J Sundine1, Garrett A Wirth, Kevin A Brenner

  • 1Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Institute, University of California - Irvine Medical Center, California 92868-3298, USA. msundine@uci.edu

Insights

Total cranial vault reshaping effectively treats hydrocephalic macrocephaly, improving head control and aesthetics. This surgical procedure is safe for patients with this condition, though shunt revisions may be necessary.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Hydrocephalic macrocephaly presents significant challenges, impacting mobility, hygiene, and development.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus typically prevent extreme cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of total cranial vault reduction cranioplasty for hydrocephalic macrocephaly.

Main Methods:

  • Four consecutive patients underwent total cranial vault reduction cranioplasty.
  • Cranial volume reduction ranged from 111-641 mL.

Main Results:

  • All patients survived the surgical procedure.
  • Significant improvements in head control and aesthetics were observed in all patients.
  • All patients required at least one shunt revision post-operatively.

Conclusions:

  • Total cranial vault reshaping is a safe and effective treatment for macrocephaly secondary to hydrocephalus.
  • The procedure offers functional and aesthetic benefits for affected individuals.