Is Postoperative Helmet Molding Therapy Necessary for Craniectomy for Sagittal Suture Synostosis?

Abstract

Endoscopic strip craniectomy followed by postoperative remodeling helmet therapy for scaphocephaly is widely accepted, but the requirement of several helmets might burden patients or their families. This study examined whether craniectomy via a bicoronal approach without molding helmet therapy is worth considering. The authors retrospectively reviewed patients with nonsyndromic sagittal suture synostosis who underwent the modified Renier H technique between 2016 and 2021. We collected data on preoperative and postoperative cephalic index (CI), operative time, estimated blood loss, and blood transfusion rates. The authors also examined all related literature in English describing endoscopic craniectomy with postoperative helmet molding therapy for sagittal suture craniosynostosis. Among 17 patients, the average operative time was 92.2±15.6 minutes, the mean estimated blood loss was 35.8±22.4 mL, and a blood transfusion was needed for 9 patients (52.9%). The mean preoperative and postoperative CIs were 69.1±2.6 and 78.4±2.2, respectively. A comparison of the literature review with the authors’ results showed that their procedures required a slightly longer operative time and a higher frequency of blood transfusions. There are no significant differences in blood loss or preoperative and postoperative CIs reported in the literature. The open procedure required a higher operative time than endoscopic suturectomy. However, dealing with bleeding is more challenging with endoscopic suturectomy. The cost of the helmets and the duration patients have to wear them, which might be burdensome for the patients or their families when determining the optimal minimally invasive treatment, should also be considered.