Conveniently located to serve New York City, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island
Correcting encephalocele for New York City patients requires expertise and skill. Encephalocele is a rare birth defect among infants that may go undetected until diagnosed. It manifests as a hyperpigmented irregular mass on the head that must be removed by a board-certified surgeon. Dr. James P. Bradley is a leading craniofacial surgeon, board-certified in both plastic surgery and general surgery, who provides expert encephalocele correction for infants and children.
Frontonasoethmoidal Encephalocele
Frontonasoethmoidal encephaloceles are rare birth defects where brain tissue herniates through the upper face, leading to malformations between the eyes. This affects the supraorbital, medial canthal, and nasal bones, causing them to shift out of place. The condition occurs when the brain lining and brain-like tissues push outward, similar to a flower opening up, with the bones moving like petals away from their normal position.
If left untreated, encephaloceles can lead to neurological complications such as developmental delays, hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain), seizures, vision problems, or motor impairments.
Causes and Risk Factors of Encephalocele
The exact cause of encephaloceles is not fully understood; however, several factors may contribute to their development:
- Genetic predisposition, particularly in families with a history of neural tube defects
- Insufficient folic acid intake during pregnancy
- Exposure to certain environmental toxins or infections during pregnancy
- Maternal health conditions such as diabetes or obesity
- Early prenatal care with proper nutrition and folic acid supplementation can help reduce these risks.
When Is Encephalocele Surgery Necessary?
Surgical correction is typically recommended if:
- The encephalocele contains significant amounts of brain tissue that could be damaged over time
- There are associated complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage or hydrocephalus
- Neurological symptoms like seizures or developmental delays are present
- Cosmetic concerns impact facial structure and function significantly
In most cases involving significant defects or functional impairment risks, surgery is performed within infancy for optimal outcomes.
Encephalocele Correction Objectives
- To rid the central face of the malformation so it has a normal appearance,
- To reduce the chance of infection (meningitis) spread from the contaminated nasal sinus mucosa.
Encephalocele Ideal Candidates
Children are common candidates for surgical correction of encephalocele, and adults can also undergo correction, especially if it is previously undetected. It is important that you are in good overall health before undergoing craniofacial surgery.
Your Encephalocele Consultation
Your consultation for encephalocele surgery with Dr. James P. Bradley starts with a physical evaluation of the protrusion. Before surgery, Dr. Bradley conducts detailed imaging studies such as MRI scans to assess brain involvement accurately. A multidisciplinary team—including neurosurgeons—collaborates on treatment planning for each patient’s unique needs.
Dr. Bradley will also review your medical records and history to ensure that you have no underlying conditions or medications that may hinder healing.
The Surgical Procedure
During surgery, an incision is made around the affected area while preserving healthy surrounding tissues. Protruding brain tissue is carefully repositioned inside the skull, and any excess sac-like membrane covering it is removed if necessary. Skull reconstruction techniques using bone grafts or synthetic materials restore structural integrity. Soft tissues are closed meticulously for optimal healing with minimal scarring.
The procedure duration depends on complexity but generally lasts several hours under general anesthesia.
Recovery After Encephalocele Surgery
With the innovative HULA technique developed by Dr. Bradley, the recovery time is considerably shorter than traditional surgery. Depending on the age, severity of the condition, and extent of the work done, the patient can recover fully. Babies with encephalocele must be provided with enough nutrition and care to heal properly.
Cost of Encephalocele Surgery
The cost of encephalocele surgery in New York varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia costs, and post-operative care requirements. Additional expenses may arise from imaging tests, follow-up visits, and necessary rehabilitation services.
Many insurance plans cover encephalocele correction, which is considered a medically necessary procedure. However, coverage details depend on your specific provider and policy terms.Â
Why Choose Dr. James P. Bradley
Dr. James P. Bradley has decades of experience performing complex pediatric craniofacial surgeries across New York City, including Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Long Island. He utilizes advanced surgical techniques and collaborates with top neurosurgeons to manage encephalocele cases effectively. Each patient receives a treatment plan based on their specific condition and needs.
Dr. Bradley’s expertise in craniofacial surgery allows him to address both functional and structural concerns associated with encephaloceles, providing patients with comprehensive surgical care.
Encephalocele FAQs
Do all encephaloceles need the same type of surgery?
No, there are variations in the types of encephaloceles based on location and severity. Dr. Bradley has designed procedures for each variation.
How many surgical procedures will it take?
It may only take one procedure to correct the encephalocele if performed at the optimal time between ages 3 and 12 years. However, small revision procedures are sometimes necessary.
Is encephalocele surgery safe for infants?
Yes. When performed by experienced specialists like Dr. Bradley using modern surgical advancements, safety remains a priority while minimizing risks effectively.
How soon after birth should encephalocele surgery be performed?
Timing varies case by case; however, earlier interventions are preferred for more significant defects, posing higher complication risks. Delaying treatment unnecessarily could negatively impact the overall prognosis.
Will my child need additional surgeries in the future?
Some cases require staged procedures to address residual deformities over time. However, unless unforeseen circumstances arise, most single-stage corrections achieve the desired results without needing further interventions.
Contact Us
Seek surgical treatment for encephalocele in New York City to address this congenital defect. Contact Dr. Bradley today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the HULA procedure.
Your Encephalocele Correction procedure will be performed in James P Bradley, MD’s surgery center located in New York.
