A lot of you have been asking what the details are about the Craniosynostosis surgery (She has right-unicoronal non-syndromatic craniosynostosis). Here is some of the information I know right now:
-They will cut a zig-zag incision from ear to ear over the top of her head.
-The scalp will be peeled back and the forehead taken apart.
-The Craniofacial Plastic Surgeon (Dr. Cohen) will put the forehead back together with dissolvable screws to give her head a more round & even appearance.
-The Neurosurgeon (Dr. Meltzer) will monitor the procedure to ensure the brain is intact and be there should any issues occur.
-The Ocular Surgeon (Dr. Kikkawa) will look at the growth behind her right eye and determine if he should: take it out, take a piece out and biopsy it, or leave it alone.
-Blood Transfusions are needed 50% of the time.
-The forehead will be put back and the incision will be closed with ~50 staples.
-When her hair grows in it should cover the incision.
-Duration: 4 hour surgery
-Her heart will be monitored the entire time to ensure that her SVT (Supraventricular Taccycardia) is controlled.
-Stay in hospital: at least 4 days
-Only mommy & daddy are allowed to visit her.
-Her head will swell huge (like a basketball it was described to me) and her eyes will be swollen shut.
-The height of the swelling will be around day 3.
-We can go home once the swelling starts to go down and her eyes are opening.
-She should be looking pretty normal after 2 weeks.
We will learn more details at her pre-op appointment scheduled for April 7th.
Wow...you are so strong. I am just praying for a smooth recovery for your baby girl. Please let me know if you need anything - babysitting during this time, whatever. Take care and thinking of you all.
ReplyDeleteWow. Medical technology is amazing. This procedure sounds like it's pretty robust and comprehensive.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Avery for a safe procedure and speedy recovery and the rest of the Grantham family!