Cranioplasty: What can we learn

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  ‘Exploring the experiences and challenges for patients who have had, or are awaiting, a cranioplasty’

• IRAS ID

  269338

• Contact name

  Peter Hutchinson

• Contact email

  pjah2@cam.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 4 months, 26 days

• Research summary

  In the first few days after a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) or a large middle cerebral artery infarct (MCA) (a type of stroke) patients can develop swelling in the brain which can lead to brain damage or even death. Craniectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the skull is removed to relieve brain swelling, which is a life saving surgical procedure in the most seriously unwell patients. Patients who survive undergo a second operation, known as cranioplasty, in order to have their skull reconstructed at a later date, often months after the craniectomy. Any trauma or stroke can be a life-changing experience for not only the patient but also their friends and family. Severe brain injury as a result of trauma often leads to prolonged intensive care admissions, neurosurgical interventions and long periods of rehabilitation, and can lead to permanent disability and life-changing unexpected pressures.
  This study is exploring, through interviews, focus groups and questionnaires factors that may help in the recovery and rehabilitation of these patients. With an emphasis on the timing of a cranioplasty, difficulties with engagement in rehabilitation, cosmesis and social implications and analyse how these can be better understood with the view of improving patient’s quality of life. At a time when there are a multitude of issues that a trauma or stroke patient along with their families may have to adapt to insight to some of the potential social barriers including issues related to social engagement and cosmetic considerations would hopefully allow for improved social interaction, improved mental state and therefore hopefully improved quality of life.

• REC name

  Wales REC 7

• REC reference

  19/WA/0315

• Date of REC Opinion

  16 Dec 2019

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion