Patient Stories > Jamyan Matias

Eleven-month old Jamyan Matias was born with sagittal synostosis, a congenital defect causing his head to grow abnormally long and narrow.

To prevent permanent head deformity and the small risk of raised intracranial pressure, sagittal synostosis requires early corrective surgery. This traditionally involves a large, open incision across the top of the head. The procedure lasts approximately four hours, requires remodeling of the skull shape, and is accompanied by significant blood loss, swelling and a four-to five-day hospital stay.

Neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons at St. Christopher's work together to perform a much less invasive procedure called endoscopic synostectomy. During the procedure, an endoscope is inserted through one or two small cuts in the scalp, and bone from the fused suture is removed.

Jamyan's surgery was quicker, caused minimal swelling and blood loss, and he was discharged the next day. As with traditional surgery, Jamyan must wear a helmet to help mold the head into a natural shape.

Three months later, Jamyan is smiling, eating well and enjoys playing with his mom and three older siblings. His head is taking a more natural shape and complete correction is expected in about a year.

For more information on the Section of Neurosurgery at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, please call 215-427-5196.