Integrated Endoscopic Craniosynostosis Surgery and Cranial Orthosis Program.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Craniofacial Surgery

Background:

• Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of cranial sutures, historically treated with open surgery.
• Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques have evolved for surgical correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the first endoscopic correction of craniosynostosis in the UAE.
• To detail the planning, surgical techniques, and outcomes of this novel approach, including customized helmet therapy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 16 infants with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.
• Procedures included endoscopic correction followed by customized cranial helmet therapy.
• Data collected included preoperative/postoperative photography and anthropometric measurements.

Main Results:

• Mean patient age at surgery was 101 days; mean surgery duration was 70 minutes.
• No complications or mortality were reported; mean hospital stay was 4 days.
• Improved cranial index observed in all patients, particularly those with sagittal and bicoronal craniosynostosis.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic craniosynostosis correction is safe, effective, and reliable, representing the first reported series from the Middle East.
• Recommends endoscopic correction for nonsyndromic single-suture craniosynostosis before 6 months of age.
• Highlights the crucial role of orthotists in a multidisciplinary team for successful outcomes.