Endoscopic Techniques in Sagittal Synostosis Correction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Scaphocephaly, a craniofacial deformity from premature sagittal suture fusion, historically treated with open surgery.
• Endoscopic techniques offer a less invasive alternative for craniosynostosis correction since the 1990s.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic scaphocephaly correction.
• To compare different endoscopic techniques for treating scaphocephaly.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search of clinical trials and observational studies was performed.
• Outcomes analyzed included cephalic index changes, operative time, blood loss, transfusions, and complications.

Main Results:

• Thirty-two studies with 1566 patients demonstrated a significant improvement in cephalic index (mean difference 7.58).
• Subgroup analyses showed no significant difference in outcomes based on the size of the removed strip or the inclusion of lateral osteotomies.

Conclusions:

• Less invasive endoscopic techniques achieve comparable success to traditional open procedures for scaphocephaly.
• These findings support exploring minimally invasive options to enhance patient outcomes and reduce surgical morbidity.