Niche Surgeons Perform Delicate Brain Surgery on Twins for The Good Friday Appeal
Announcement posted by Dr Jonathan Burge 05 May 2018
Surgeons at Niche Plastic Surgery Centre performed a revolutionary surgical procedure on twins with a rare congenital disorder as a part of The Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Kew Victoria: Surgeons at Niche Plastic Surgery Centre performed a revolutionary surgical procedure on twins with a rare congenital disorder as a part of The Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital. The twins had a condition known as Saethre–Chotzen syndrome, which is characterised by premature fusion of the skull bones. When the bones fuse together it restricts the space for the brain and prohibits the skull from growing normally. By enlarging the skull over time, surgeons can provide additional room for the brain to develop normally as the child grows.
The mother of the twins also suffered from Saethre–Chotzen syndrome, but when she was young, there wasn't this method available to manage her condition. Her children will now enjoy fewer signs of the condition and well as a lower risk of delayed brain development as the brain will be able to grow normally in side their skulls. Both the operations are being fully covered through The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Saethre–Chotzen syndrome is an uncommon disorder that is recognised by traits such as an asymmetrical head shape, low-set hairline, and droopy eyelids. The condition can also cause webbing between the fingers and toes in some individuals. Children may also experience developmental delays and learning difficulties.
Earlier this month, Dr Jonathan Burge at Niche Plastic Surgery operated on twins with this condition, performing both procedures in a single day. The team made cuts on the back of the skull so that they could insert small devices that the parents then turn each day. These cranial distractors push the skull backwards to make the space inside for the brain larger and prevent the brain from squeezing out through the base of the skull.
The mother of the twins also suffered from Saethre–Chotzen syndrome, but when she was young, there wasn't this method available to manage her condition. Her children will now enjoy fewer signs of the condition and well as a lower risk of delayed brain development as the brain will be able to grow normally in side their skulls. Both the operations are being fully covered through The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
About Niche Plastic Surgery: Niche Plastic Surgery has been providing the highest level of plastic and reconstructive surgery care for over three decades. Formerly known as Kew Plastic Surgery, the surgical team includes Dr Jonathan Burge, Dr Anand Ramakrishnan and Dr Richard Burton. All three surgeons are fellows in the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and have earned other credentials to demonstrate their commitment to the highest level of patient care. Niche Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to men and women of all ages. Dr Burge also specialises in craniofacial and cleft surgery. All three surgeons at Niche have undergone subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery making them experts in dealing with the intricate anatomy and nuances of the face. This includes management of skin cancers, cosmetic surgery, management of prominent ears and rhinoplasty
About the Good Friday Appeal: The Good Friday Appeal is a not-for- profit organisation that raises funding for The Royal Children’s Hospital that provides the highest level of care to children from all sectors of the community. The charity hosts a 15-hour telethon every Good Friday to raise money for their cause as well as depending on donations from public and private entities to continue their work. Dr Burge has been performed other surgeries through the Good Friday Appeal and was recently interviewed by Channel 7 TV to discuss another skull surgery he performed as part of the program.