Cranioplasty in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is cranioplasty?
Cranioplasty is a planned operation to close a defect in the skull, restoring a firm, protective covering over the brain and the natural shape of the head. It is usually the second stage of treatment: the first operation removed a piece of skull, and cranioplasty puts back bone or an implant in its place.
The most common reason for the gap is a decompressive craniectomy. After a severe head injury, a stroke or a bleed, the brain can swell dangerously, and removing a section of skull gives it room. Once the swelling settles, the missing section leaves the brain protected only by scalp.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, cranioplasty is carried out by the consultant neurosurgeon, often for patients who began their care under head injury management.
Who needs it
Cranioplasty suits people with a skull defect from:
- A previous decompressive craniectomy after injury, stroke or bleeding
- A bone flap that was removed because of infection
- A depressed or shattered skull fracture
- Removal of a tumour that had grown into the bone
The repair protects the brain from knocks, removes the need for a protective helmet, and restores the contour of the head. It also restores the normal pressure environment around the brain. Some people with a large defect develop a sunken scalp with headaches, dizziness or changes in mood and concentration, sometimes called "syndrome of the trephined", and cranioplasty is the treatment for it.
Timing is the main decision. The surgeon waits until brain swelling has resolved, the scalp is well healed, and any infection has fully cleared. A CT scan shows the size and shape of the defect and the state of the brain beneath.
What happens
The choice of material comes first:
- Your own bone. When the removed bone was stored safely after the first operation, it can be returned. Stored bone is kept frozen in a bone bank or, in some cases, placed under the skin of the abdomen.
- A custom implant. When the bone is unavailable or unsuitable, an implant is made to match the defect, shaped from your CT scan. Titanium and medical-grade plastics are among the materials used.
Cranioplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon reopens the previous scalp incision, carefully separates the scalp from the covering of the brain beneath, and fits the bone or implant into the gap. It is fixed to the surrounding skull with small plates and screws. A thin drain may be left under the scalp for a short time, and the skin is closed with stitches or clips.
After surgery, nurses check your alertness, speech and limb strength regularly, and a scan is often done to confirm the position of the repair.
Preparing for it
Bring the reports and scans from your first operation, including where the bone flap is stored if it was kept at another hospital, since this affects planning. A full list of medicines is needed; blood thinners, seizure medicines and diabetes medicines each need a plan. Continue seizure medicines exactly as prescribed unless told otherwise.
Wash your hair the night before with ordinary shampoo, and keep the scalp free of cuts or rashes. Tell the team about any recent fever or wound problem. Arrange a lift home and someone to stay with you.
Afterwards
The scalp is often swollen and bruised for a while, and some tightness or numbness around the incision is common. Keep the wound dry and clean, and follow the advice on when to wash your hair. In the Sharjah heat, a loose, clean cotton hat protects the scar from sun without trapping sweat.
Many people continue a neurorehabilitation programme started after the original illness, and the repair can make it easier to move freely. Your surgeon advises on driving, which depends mainly on the original injury and any seizures, and on return to work, contact sports and swimming.
Contact the hospital if the wound becomes red, swollen, tender or leaks, if fluid collects under the scalp, or if you develop a fever. **Go to the emergency department straight away with a seizure, severe headache, drowsiness, confusion, new weakness or difficulty speaking.**
Cost and insurance
UAE insurance plans generally cover cranioplasty after injury or medical illness, with pre-approval supported by the operation notes and CT report. A custom implant may need separate approval, and some plans review implant costs individually. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check cover on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of cranioplasty?
Cranioplasty carries the risks of any skull operation, including infection, bleeding, fluid collecting under the scalp, seizures and a reaction to the anaesthetic. A patient's own bone can slowly soften and be partly absorbed over time, and an implant can become infected and need removal. Your surgeon explains how these risks apply to you.
Is my own bone better than an implant?
A patient's own bone matches perfectly and is living tissue, but stored bone can be partly reabsorbed after it is replaced. A custom implant avoids that problem and fits the defect closely. The surgeon recommends the option that suits your defect, your bone and your previous surgery.
How soon after a craniectomy can cranioplasty be done?
Cranioplasty is done once brain swelling has settled, the scalp has healed and any infection has cleared. The timing varies from person to person, and your surgeon decides it based on your recovery and scans.
Do I need to wear a helmet before cranioplasty?
A protective helmet is often advised while the skull has a gap, especially when walking or during activity, because the brain is covered only by scalp. The helmet is usually no longer needed once cranioplasty has healed.
Will cranioplasty improve my symptoms?
Cranioplasty mainly restores protection and the shape of the head. In some people with a sunken scalp it can also ease headaches or dizziness linked to the defect, but recovery from the original brain injury depends mostly on that injury and on rehabilitation.
Will the implant set off airport security?
A titanium implant or plates can occasionally trigger airport metal detectors. Carrying your discharge summary or implant note makes any check straightforward.
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