Craniosynostosis in babies: complications and management of 40 cases.

Forty consecutive craniofacial cases in babies operated on in a district general hospital by a craniofacial team consisting of maxillofacial and neurosurgeons are reviewed with regard to diagnosis, surgical treatment, complications and outcome. Surgery achieved the release of craniosynostosis and the treatment protocol, and perioperative complications are discussed. Dural breaches occurred on four occasions with no postoperative sequelae. Blood transfusion was required in all cases with an average replacement of 36 percent estimated blood volume (EBV). No central nervous system complications occurred but in one case a brachial plexus haematoma resulted in a temporary neuropraxia to the shoulder. No major infections or deaths occurred in this series.