What is Cranioplasty?
Cranioplasty is a procedure used to repair or restore function that has been compromised by diseases, infections, or head injuries, or to treat structural defects in the skull caused by congenital conditions and prior cranial surgeries. A bone graft or implant is used to replace the part of the skull bone affected; therefore, the cranioplasty can be done to restore the aesthetic appearance of the skull or to repair the damage by placing the autologous (patient’s own preserved bone graft) or alloplastic (use of materials such as titanium plates) methods.
| Procedure Name | Cranioplasty |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Major Surgery |
| Type of Anesthesia | General Anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | 2-4 hours |
| Recovery Duration | A few weeks to months |
Cranioplasty: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Preparation for Cranioplasty
Before performing the cranioplasty, certain tests, such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI, & blood tests, are performed to fix the skull defect more appropriately through the information received in imaging tests. Furthermore, the patient is asked to stop taking a few medications, such as blood thinners, & the doctor might prescribe a few antibiotics before the surgery to prevent infection.
During the Procedure
Before cranioplasty is performed, you will be administered anesthesia, followed by shaving the hair at the site and making a small incision on the scalp to repair the skull. The titanium or custom implants are carefully positioned to fit precisely and line up with the rest of the skull to repair the defect. Finally, the incisions are closed using the sutures to promote the healing process.
Recovery after Cranioplasty Surgery
The patient might have to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week, where they are suggested to take a repeat CT scan of the head before leaving the hospital to check the surgical site. The recovery time can vary from individual to individual, usually ranging from a few weeks to months, and they might experience intermittent headaches during the recovery period.
Post-Procedure Care
Keep the incision site clean, take prescribed medication for pain relief, stay hydrated, and attend follow-up appointments for monitoring.
Benefits of Cranioplasty at Yashoda Hospitals
- A procedure that protects the brain from damage caused by injury or trauma.
- Restores the natural shape of the skull, adjusts abnormalities for a more attractive appearance, and boosts people’s self-esteem.
- Restores the functionality by improving the neurological issues.
- Increased quality of life & long-term benefits.
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