Early management of craniosynostosis using endoscopic-assisted strip craniectomies and cranial orthotic molding therapy

Objective: To assess the safety, efficacy, and results of the early treatment of infants with craniosynostosis using minimally invasive endoscopic strip craniectomies and postoperative helmet molding therapy. Methods: A total of 100 patients with documented diagnosis of craniosynostosis were prospectively studied and treated with endoscopic strip craniectomies. A total of 106 stenosed sutures were operated on with the following distribution: 61 sagittal, 23 coronal, 18 metopic, and 4 lambdoid sutures. Sixty-three patients were treated under 16 weeks of age. After surgery, all patients were treated with custom-made molding helmets for up to 7 months. Follow-up ranged between 4 months and 50 months. Results: All patients underwent the surgical procedures successfully and without complications. The mean surgical operative time was 52.7 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss was 26.2 mL; only 1 patient underwent intraoperative blood transfusion, and 10 patients had a non-life-threatening postoperative blood transfusion. All but 3 patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. There were no infections, dural sinus tears, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, or neurologic injuries, and there were no significant complications related to the use of helmet therapy. Most patients have achieved or are in the process of reaching normalization of their craniofacial deformities. Conclusions: The results indicate that the early treatment of craniosynostosis with minimally invasive endoscopic strip craniectomies is a safe, efficacious, and valuable therapeutic alternative to the current extensive surgical treatment modalities. The significantly less blood loss, need for blood transfusions, and length of stay and decreased costs make this procedure an excellent early option for treating infants who present with craniosynostosis.