Cranialfacial reconstruction - pre op surgical technologist tech - Research Paper Example

Craniofacial Reconstruction Introduction Craniofacial reconstruction is a medical procedure which is done to modify the facial structure of a person. In most of the cases, it is done to reshape the existing shape of the face. Craniofacial reconstruction is performed to reshape either the skull or the face of the patient. In this procedure, the upper part of the skull is restructured and due to this it is known as craniofacial. This procedure is carried out only if the patient’s skull or face has undergone any transformation due to an accident or any other abnormal problems.

Some people may have certain problems during their birth. In such cases, the reconstruction is carried out immediately once the problem is analyzed. Purpose of Cranial Reconstruction The need for craniofacial reconstruction depends on the complexity of the patient. The other situations may arise when the patient has met with an accident where the facial bones or skull is broken. In certain cases it may be done to reconstruct the facial and skull bones for cancer patients if they have undergone any bone removal during cancer treatment.

Another possibility of facial reconstruction is when the patient suffers from cleft lip disorder. (Hardt, 2007).In this case, the patient’s bones of the upper lip do not fuse properly with that of the lower lip. In any case, this option is preferred only if the patient’s skull or face cannot be modified using any other surgery. It is done to modify a child’s skull if the child is detected with abnormalities during the birth. The abnormalities may be due to genetic problems or disorders.

This surgery is done keeping in mind the future problems and issues. Depending on the growth of bone, the original bone must be restructured. Since craniofacial surgery involves more risk, doctors opt for it only when there is no other way to treat the patient. Pre-Operative Procedures Craniofacial reconstruction involves various pre-operative procedures. The reconstruction surgery is done based on these reports. The initial step in the pre-operative process is skull examination. This is done based on the x-ray and scan report of the patient’s skull.

The patient’s skull is examined to analyze its shape and dimensions. (Barone, 2004).This helps in easy reconstruction of the damaged skull. Once the skull is examined, the reconstruction plan is implemented. In the reconstruction plan, the dental and facial structures are analyzed. The next step is to match the tissues of the patient. The tissues are tested and then selected in equivalence with the patient’s skull and facial tissues. This will ensure that the patient is operated with appropriate tissues so that it does not create problems in the future.

To accomplish this task, the forensic reconstruction is the primary process. In forensic reconstruction, the patient’s original face is analyzed and the surgery is done based on this analysis. Another way of performing this surgery is by giving an impression of the original face. If the process of reconstructing the original face becomes difficult, the latter task is preferred. This concept is known as anthropological reconstruction. The craniofacial reconstruction aims at regenerating or reforming the facial, dental structures that are damaged or affected by abnormalities or diseases.

Stem cells are used to reconstruct the original face and reconstruction is carried out. Craniofacial reconstruction is performed only when the patient cannot be treated with any other surgery. This is one of the vastly improving procedures that deal with facial reconstruction. Works CitedBarone, Constance. Cranio Facial Reconstruction. U.S.A: W.B.Saunders &Co, 2004. Print.Hardt, Nicholas. Craniofacial Trauma: Diagnosis and Management. U.K: Springer- Verlag Publishers, 2007. Print.