Management of Surgical Complications of Sagittal and Posterior Plagiocephaly
Chapter from the book:
Güvenç,
G.
(ed.)
2025.
Management of Cranial Surgical Complications in Neurosurgery.
Synopsis
Synostoses have attracted attention since ancient times and have been studied by many scientists. Synostoses can be syndromic or nonsyndromic. In the etiology, hereditary factors play an important role alongside environmental factors. Scaphocephaly is a type of synostosis caused by the early closure of the sagittal suture, while posterior plagiocephaly is a type caused by the early closure of the lambdoid suture. Scaphocephaly is the most common type of craniosynostosis, while posterior plagiocephaly is the least common type. Treatment options vary depending on the type of synostosis. Conservative approaches such as open surgery, endoscopic surgery, and helmet use are employed. The treatment of syndromic cases is more complex, and complications are more frequently observed. Among the complications, blood loss, infection, air embolism, subdural and subgaleal bleeding, and parenchymal damage can be counted. In the management of complications, appropriate patient selection, proper positioning, application of a minimally invasive approach, and postoperative patient care are of utmost importance. In this section, complications, risk factors, and prevention strategies that may develop after sagittal and posterior plagiocephaly surgery are compiled.
