Craniosynostosis Discharge Instructions

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About the Surgery

What is a Craniosynostosis surgery?

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The goal of craniosynostosis surgery is to open the prematurely fused suture, restore normal shape of head, and allow for normal brain growth. The neurosurgeon removes the skull and dissects the bone from the brain. The plastic surgeon makes cuts in the bones of the skull to reshape the head.
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Day of the Surgery

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  • Your surgical team will be with you every step of the way.
  • You will be in the ICU after your surgery.
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After the Surgery

Home Care

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Incision Care

  • Dissolvable sutures are not removed, may take up to a month to completely dissolve
  • Wash incision daily with mild shampoo/soap and water then pat dry (application of antibiotic ointment not necessary unless instructed by Neurosurgery team)
  • You may scrub incision lightly to help prevent scab formation
  • Do not use oils, lotions, or creams on incision
  • Do not scratch incision
  • No beach/pool ( 1st month after surgery) or  until cleared by provider
  • Avoid direct sunlight on incision

Activity

  • No rough activity
  • Close supervision; keep infant from activities that may result in head injury
  • May not return to daycare/school  until cleared by provider

Pain control

  • You may take over the counter medications, which include:
  • Acetaminophen every 4 hours
  • Ibuprofen every 6hrs as needed  (for infants over 6 months)
  • These medications can be alternated

Follow-up Office Visit

  • You will be seen in Neurosurgery office approximately 14 days after leaving the hospital for physical evaluation and wound check
  • Follow up with plastic surgeon/ Craniofacial clinic as indicated
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When to Call

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  • Fever greater than 101.5°F oral or axillary
  • Increased fussiness not relieved with pain medication
  • Decreased level of consciousness or lethargy
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Increasing fluid around incision site
  • Increased swelling, redness, and/or drainage around incision site
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Resources

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Questions or Concerns?
Call us @ 305-662-8386


This page was last updated on: June 30, 2022 04:34 PM