Subgaleal versus subperiosteal dissection in fronto-orbital advancement procedures.

Extensive cranioorbital surgery for craniosynostosis in young children can produce excessive blood loss. Thus, to overcome the disadvantage of unappropriated blood loss and translocation of the osteosynthesis material, we performed a subgaleal dissection in infants and compared the subperiosteal with the subgaleal surgical approach in 29 children who underwent surgery for craniosynostosis. The treatment goal of correction of the deformity was accomplished in each case. Fronto-orbital deformities were significantly improved in all patients. Blood loss was less in the group with subgaleal elevation of the forehead (mean = 163 ml) compared with the subperiosteal group, which had a mean 266 ml blood loss. The subgaleal dissection caused less bleeding and tethering of the advanced bone.